Cover
the East-West cards but give the North and
South hands a long look. What is their best
game contract? With 29 points and two
balanced hands 3NT would normally be a
serious contender, but here spades are a
problem, particularly if the opponents bid
and support them. 5
is respectable, needing only the heart
finesse. Is there anything better?
It is not particularly desirable to declare a game contract with only
seven trumps, less so when they are divided
four-three in the partnership hands and
there is a weak side suit for the opponents
to pound at you. Nonetheless, such contracts
can, under certain circumstances, offer the
best chance for game.
North-South vulnerable North deals
West |
North |
East |
South |
|
1 |
Pass |
1 |
1 |
Dbl(1) |
2 |
3 |
Pass |
3 |
Pass |
3(2) |
Pass |
4 |
End |
|
(1) Non-minimum, 3 hearts
(2) Can you bid notrump?
Opening Lead:
K
On today's deal, North-South used a popular modern convention to locate
their four-three heart fit. North's double
of the 1
overcall was a "Support Double," showing
three-card heart support and at least a
sound opening bid. South supported clubs (denying
a fifth heart), then probed for notrump with
3
when North showed values in diamonds. The
partnership scrambled back into hearts when
it seemed that there would be two spades to
lose off the top and strong potential for
another loser.
In 4
declarer is not dependent on the heart
finesse but he has other concerns. How would
you play 4
on three rounds of spades?
The best plan is to ruff the third spade with dummy's two and lead the
9
from dummy. If someone wins the king and
trumps are no worse than four-two, you are
safe. Ruff a fourth spade with the ace, come
to hand and draw trumps. If the
9
holds, you need a three-three trump break or
king-fourth of trumps with only three spades.
Cash the
A,
cross to hand and drive out the
K.
If the defence switches to clubs after one high spade, seeking a ruff, you
need the trump finesse or perhaps a bit of
luck.
The four-three fit is known as a "Moysian," honouring Sonny Moyse,
legendary Editor of "The Bridge World," a
staunch supporter of such contracts in print
and at the table.