Wednesday February 11th, 2015

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Board 2 East Deals N-S Vul	♠ A Q 8 4 ♥ Q 10 2 ♦ Q 8 6 ♣ J 9 4
♠ 3 ♥ A K 4 3 ♦ A K J 10 7 3 ♣ K 6	N W E S	♠ K J 10 6 ♥ 6 ♦ 9 5 2 ♣ A 10 8 5 2
	♠ 9 7 5 2 ♥ J 9 8 7 5 ♦ 4 ♣ Q 7 3

After two passes, West opens 1D and East responds 1S. While 3NT looks tempting, there could still be game or slam in hearts or diamonds; West rebids 2H, a strength-showing reverse. If you haven't discussed the bidding after a reverse, however, or if partner has not agreed reverses are 100% forcing, I have more sympathy for 3NT. Two basic styles exist over reverses: most bids are weak and can be passed; stronger hands must jump, bid a game or bid the fourth suit; or, all suit bids at the three level are forcing, weaker hands must rebid at the two level, and therefore 2NT may be artificial -- an application of lebensohl.

East may simply bid 3NT but there could be slam in diamonds, especially if partner has a fitting honor in spades along with short clubs. 3D, however, even if forcing, risks missing 3NT. Playing lebensohl I like 2NT, planning to sign off at 3NT if partner bids the expected 3C but reconsidering if partner rebids 3S or 3D. Here, West rebids 3NT; this suggests extra values along with something in clubs which reduces the likely value of the spade honors so I think East can reasonably pass.

Board 3 South Deals E-W Vul	♠ K Q J 8 ♥ Q 6 2 ♦ Q 7 6 5 ♣ 7 2
♠ 10 9 7 5 4 ♥ 9 3 ♦ 9 4 2 ♣ 9 5 3	N W E S	♠ 6 3 2 ♥ J 10 8 5 ♦ 3 ♣ A K J 10 4
	♠ A ♥ A K 7 4 ♦ A K J 10 8 ♣ Q 8 6

What should South open? I would never open 2C with the intention of rebidding in diamonds; that sequence should promise a six-card suit and more playing strength. South's hand is nowhere close to "a trick short of game" in diamonds or even notrump. So the choice is between 1D, with game fairly unlikely if partner passes, and treating the hand as balanced. As a balanced hand I would rate this about 21.5; all in all I don't think we'll miss game if partner passes 2NT. But 2NT practically gives up on a diamond slam so I would simply open 1D and force to game if partner responds.

North responds 1S; does East bid? This is very light for a vulnerable, two level overcall; at a team game the result could easily lose a match. But I'd hate not to mention such a powerful suit and at matchpoints 2C for a lead is appealing. South ought to hammer that but in the modern style few pairs would treat a double here as penalties, and in any case North would be reluctant to defend with concealed four-card diamond support. South may simply blast 3NT; I would prefer 2H as there might be game there or even slam in either red suit. North must make a forward-going bid; playing lebensohl over reverses, 3D should be forcing, while a weaker hand would bid 2NT first. Not playing lebensohl North should bid 3C to show a good hand unsure of where to play.

South has roughly an Ace more than minimum reversing strength; but any move beyond 3NT risks missing the best game. At a team game it would be OK to land at 5D but at matchpoints 3NT looks like the practical bid. West leads a club and East either grabs his two tricks or puts in the ten, hoping partner has an entry and can continue the suit.

If South opens 2C or 2NT, I would expect a Stayman auction, with East doubling for a club lead. East can now place South will all the cards and salvage some matchpoints by taking his King and Ace.

Board 5 North Deals N-S Vul	♠ A 10 ♥ A J 7 5 2 ♦ Q 3 ♣ K J 8 5
♠ 8 4 ♥ 10 4 ♦ J 10 9 7 6 5 4 2 ♣ Q	N W E S	♠ Q J 9 6 5 3 2 ♥ 6 ♦ 8 ♣ A 10 3 2
	♠ K 7 ♥ K Q 9 8 3 ♦ A K ♣ 9 7 6 4

North opens 1H; while the modern style is to open 1NT with many hands in the 15-17 range, a five card major with a side four-card suit is pushing things too far. North has an easy rebid in clubs over any response. East preempts, either 3S or 4S. The shape and vulnerability favor the more aggressive bid but keep in mind you are highly unlikely to play 3S doubled and very likely to be doubled at 4S. Still, 4S might stampede them to the five level or interfere with slam exploration so I think it's worth the risk.

South was mulling 1H-or-1NT and is quite surprised by the bidding. With control of spades and the big fit, South should push toward slam. Most partners would take 4NT as Blackwood or Key card, and that appears to be the consensus of experts (per Bridge World Standard.) North shows two Aces or Key Cards and South bids 6H. Unfortunately the mirror shape and bad club split strands declarer with two club losers even if East does not give partner a ruff. This is a slam everyone ought to bid and go down in -- that's bridge!