Results for Set 39

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#1) West deals, Both Vul.

J J 9 4 3 K 9 6 5 4 Q 8 6

A K 9 7 6 2 A 10 A K J 8 5

Scores for Board 1:

6:10
3NT: 7
5:6
4NT:5

Should East open 2? I usually try not to with hard-to-describe 2-suiters. Still, many will open 2 and might get to show both suits conveniently if the auction begins 2-2-2-2NT-3. If instead, East opens 1 he will jumpshift to 3 over 1NT. Both starts could easily lead to 3NT, thus missing a pretty good club slam (ruff two spades in dummy and hope for decent black-suit splits).

#2) East deals, South doubles, North bids spades, Nobody vul.

A 9 10 A J 8 7 6 4 J 10 8 4

4 2 A K 5 4 2 A K Q 7 6 2

Deal 2 Scores:

7:10
6:8
4NT: 5
5: 3

I don't think West should waste his time with a redouble, so the auction is likely to begin: 1--(X)--1--(1). East now has enough to reverse to 2. West can practically drive to a club slam after this show of strength (with one bid for his life, it would be 6). However, West should not give up on seven. E-W need to have agreements after reverses. Most common here would be 3 as forcing. After that start, maybe either player can use RKC--but still, reaching seven is not easy.

#3) West Deals, Nobody Vul.

K Q 6 5 A J 5 4 Q 8 7 2 Q

A 10 9 4 2 6 A 6 5 3 A K 10

Deal 3 Scores:

6:10
5:6
4NT: 3
6:3

5: 2

After 1-1 West raises only to 2 (it is a beautiful supporting hand, but not quite enough for a jump to 3). Over the simple raise, East probably has enough to make one try for slam. Now it comes down to methods. Perhaps a splinter bid to 4 is the best choice. West, with great trumps and a singleton club will cooperate and the near-laydown slam should be reached.

#4) East deals, Both Vul.

A K 10 7 6 2 10 7 6 2 A K 5

3 A K 5 2 A K Q 9 6 5 Q 4

Board 4 Scores:

6NT: 10
6: 7
5NT: 6
5: 5
5: 4

7NT/7:3
6: 2
6:2

After 1-1, East has plenty in reserve for his reverse to 2. West can repeat the spades (forcing for one round in most methods after reverses). East would now bid 3 and the moment of truth is reached. Will West (with great HCP but a misfit) insist on slam? Invite slam? How? This layout will challenge most pairs. Slam (in diamonds or notrump) depends only on 3-3 or 4-2 diamonds.

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