Sunday, June 23rd 2013

Board 1 North Deals None Vul	♠ 8 2 ♥ 9 2 ♦ K J 9 8 5 3 2 ♣ 6 2
♠ A 7 5 ♥ K Q 10 7 ♦ 10 ♣ K J 10 5 3	N W E S	♠ K Q 10 9 4 3 ♥ A J ♦ A 7 ♣ Q 9 8
	♠ J 6 ♥ 8 6 5 4 3 ♦ Q 6 4 ♣ A 7 4

North may open 3D; I would prefer to have at least 5 hcp but I expect 3D was a popular choice.  East overcalls 3S. South does not have enough shape to try 5D and not enough defense for 4D, a bid that "invites" game from the enemy. West cue-bids 4D to show a game-forcing raise -- a 4S bid would suggest around 10-12 in value. East counts 5 losers, so slam should have some play -- the 4D bid suggests at least four cover cards. There isn't enough room for a good cue-bidding sequence; I'd try 4NT despite the lack of a club control. West replies one Ace or Key Card and East bids 6S. Every declarer took the obvious twelve tricks; only two of six bid it.

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

I still prefer some high card strength even at this vulnerability, but I'm sure some Easts preempted 3S. Do not compromise with 2S -- that suggests a stronger hand in terms of high cards, not weaker. Assuming East passes, South opens 1NT. West may preempt 3H or bid only 2H (or the equivalent, playing Capp or DONT) since he has a full opening. Opposite a passed hand, 3H looks right. North has eight tricks and partner's 15-17 may cover five losers; once again 4NT looks like despite the flaw of an uncontrolled suit. South replies with 3 Aces and North continues with 5NT (confirming all four Aces.) South shows one King; North can now count 12 tricks. Should he try for a grand? I wouldn't; 6NT should score well. Thirteen tricks  requires guessing to drop the Queen of diamonds rather than finesse; not a good bet.

At least one E/W pair reached 5S doubled. Perhaps 3S-3NT-4S to start, but again Blackwood should get N/S to 6NT.

Board 15 South Deals N-S Vul	♠ A Q 6 ♥ Q J 6 ♦ A K ♣ K Q J 6 5
♠ 10 9 8 7 4 2 ♥ 10 3 ♦ J 7 3 2 ♣ 7	N W E S	♠ 5 3 ♥ 9 8 4 2 ♦ Q 9 8 5 ♣ A 10 3
	♠ K J ♥ A K 7 5 ♦ 10 6 4 ♣ 9 8 4 2

North opens 2C in third seat; South may reply 3NT to show a balanced 10-12, but I would reserve that for hands with 4333 shape. 2D waiting or semi-positive is normal; "Steps" bidders can show 10+ via 2NT. North rebids 2NT to show a balanced 22-24, or 22+ if South's bid promised some values. South bids 3C (Stayman) followed by 6NT when no fit is found. For steps bidders, North should simply raise 2NT to 3NT, showing his balanced shape; responder with 10+ hcp will not pass. 4C should be Stayman at this point -- more useful than Gerber; but if you aren't sure a simple jump tp 6NT is fine -- you can count 33+ hcp. Half the field reached 6NT.