Daily Problem 179

East dealer : North-South vulnerable

West
 North
 East
 South
--- --- 1 (1) 2
2 Dble (2) Pass 3
3 ?  


(1) 4+ spades
(2) For takeout

What would you do now as North with:


6,4,2
Q,8,6,3
K,5
A,Q,9,6

Solution:

Australian Open Team Playoffs, Stage 2, Round 10, versus Peter Gill – Bob Richman. This was Board 19:

East dealer : North-South vulnerable

  • North
    • Matt Mullamphy
  • 6 4 2
  • Q 8 6 3
  • K 5
  • A Q 9 6
  • West
    • Bob Richman
  • J 10 8 7
  • K J 4 2
  • J 7
  • J 8 7
  • East
    • Peter Gill
  • K Q 9 5 3
  • A 9 5
  • 10 9 6 3
  • 4
  • South
    • Klinger
  • A
  • 10 7
  • A Q 8 4 2
  • K 10 5 3 2


West
 North
 East
 South
--- --- 1 (1) 2
2 Dble (2) Pass 3
3 Pass? Pass 4
Pass 5 All pass


(1) 4+ spades
(2) For takeout

Lead: J

The play was routine for eleven tricks. No swing, as every pair in the Open was in 5, making. Women’s datum: N-S 410. Three N-S pairs played in 5, all +600, one in 3 +150. One E-W was in 3 +140 and one in 4 doubled for –300.

It is best to treat a submarine opening (1 showing spades here) as though the opening was in the actual suit (spades). Some Souths would bid 2NT (both minors) over a 1 opening, but the South hand has strong defence if the opponents bid to game.

Had West passed 3, North was worth one try for game (3, perhaps). Likewise, when West bid 3, North is entitled to make another move. Double to invite game works well and whether South bids 5 (normal) or 3NT, the result is satisfactory. North was fortunate that South had enough shape and strength to take another bid.

All your bridge partners have a good memory. It just doesn’t last very long when it comes to your good bids and plays.