Results for Set 49

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#1) East deals, Both Vul.

AK8753 KJ43 -- KJ2

42 Q2 AKJ105 AQ54

Deal 1 Scores:

4NT: 10
4: 9
5NT: 8
5: 7
6: 3
Other Slams: 1

East will likely open with an off-shape 1NT (to get the strength off his chest). Then it becomes hard for West to avoid driving to a no-play slam. (Granted, on a non-heart lead, 6 has a slight chance). With 6-4, West might use Stayman and then Smolen, over which East will bid 3NT. West will make another move, but it is hard to stay low on this one.

#2) South deals, Both Vul. (South opens a 10-13 1NT and North bids 2 Jacoby Transfer)

KJ43 Q KJ87 J1043

A2 K54 A62 KQ762

Deal 2 Scores:

5: 10
4: 7
3NT: 5

2X: 2

In 3NT, you have to get lucky with the A. Much better is 5, which has numerous good chances (and would have made at the table). In fact, when this deal was played in a Nebraska Regional, East played 3NT, but South cleverly led the A to defeat the contract. East might bid 2NT (natural) over North's 2. Or, West might double 2 if East passes the first time. It is more normal to reach 3NT than 5.

#3) South Deals, Nobody Vul. (South opens 1 and North bids 2)

AQ3 Q65 K2 AQ1054

J652 2 AQJ9854 2

Deal 3 Scores:

5: 10
3NT: 5
6: 3
4: 2

If the AK are in the same hand, 3NT makes. At the table, the heart honors were split, so 3NT fails. It is likely West will overcall 1NT. What should East do after North's raise? He can make a negative double, bid 3NT, or maybe some form of lebensohl ("Stayman without a stopper"). Just as in Deal #2, it is likely most pairs reach 3NT--not the minor-suit game.

#4) East deals, East-West Vul. (South bids 1 and North bids 3)

4 Q87652 A1043 AK

76 A KJ872 J7652

Deal 4 Scores:

5: 10
6: 7
4: 4

For the third straight deal, the top spot is 5 of a minor. After (1) 2 (3), East can make a responsive double. West can then choose diamonds, which East can raise to game.

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