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tough choices!

Third Ace Lucky!

11 cards in today’s problem hand cry out for the card holder to bid. Yet, the other 2 suggest that passing might be a wise choice. Will the majority rule? Let’s see.

 

My understanding of South’s double is that it promises value, stronger than a weak no trump and indicating perhaps close to the balance of points. It can be pulled if partner has somewhere to go but otherwise will pass for penalties.

While you would prefer to play in a minor suit, your spade holding does not augur too well for the contract’s success, especially as it would be unusual for the doubler to be void in spades. Nevertheless, our Panel head off to the 5-level in the most sensible way:

Stephen Blackstock “4NT: Two places to play - doesn't promise heart tolerance so I expect to hear South's preferred minor. Longer clubs is convenient as South should always bid clubs with equal length. Obviously my clubs are a lot stronger, but opposite 4-2 in the minors I will usually want to reach diamonds.”

Kris Wooles “4NT: I agree double is general values rather than takeout. At least that is how I play it. I’d now bid 4NT requesting partner to bid his suits upwards to find our best fit.”

Andy Braithwaite “4NT: Nothing is clearcut here except partner does not have a penalty double. As partner has not bid 5, one minor must be playable so I bid 4NT to play partner's better minor and hope that is the right decision!”

Agreeing with the above action but not as to the meaning of double is:

Nigel Kearney “4NT: For me the double is take-out. As responder, I would not bid at the five level with a balanced hand but usually would with shape or a shortage in their suit. it is quite possible neither side can make anything at this level but it's too risky to play for that even at Pairs. I prefer clubs to diamonds but 4NT allows partner to declare which could be important, for example when LHO is about to lead a singleton diamond against 5.”

A small mention there about the alternative action, also considered by:

Peter Newell “4NT: yes double is values but with this shape I'll take out. The doubleton spade is a minus as is the heart void and the fact that partner is quite likely to lead a heart suggests defence.

 Normally with 6/5 shape, it would be absolutely clear to takeout. On this hand there are definitely warning sounds, so while I will takeout I do have misgivings that 4 is going down and we are too at the 5 level. 4NT shows 2 places to play so I could have had hearts. Yet, partner is expected to bid their better minor.”

and

Bruce Anderson “4NT: says to partner pick your best minor; with my 6/5 shape it is likely we can make game opposite what is almost certain to be a strong balanced or semi- balanced hand. In other words, I expect partner’s double of 4 show values more than anything else.

Pass is a close second choice. Partner may well start the defence with a high heart, which is likely to be good for our side, and there is no guarantee that we can make game. I would pass at Teams.”

 

There is one other good reason why bidding 4NT to let partner choose the trump suit is a good idea. It puts West on lead. If the doubler will not be void in spades and we have two and opener has 8, then the actual lay-out is quite likely:

 

Were East on lead and to start with A, the contract would have been down quickly. As it was after K start, South could lose two trump tricks but set up the club suit for three spade discards, meanwhile ruffing three hearts in dummy, a rather fortunate +600.

Meanwhile, against 4x, South might start of with A. North should not encourage.

So, South tries A and again no encouragement from their partner (or high diamond asking for a heart switch).

 

Third ace lucky and with a ruff, K and finally K, that’s + 800. Somehow, I do not feel it so automatic to head off to the 5-level, at either Pairs or Teams. At Teams, we take the money even if it might be insufficient. Here, some of the time, there is no making game for either side and even +200 or +500 might be sufficient even if South has an ace or two less.

A tough choice.  

Thanks to Tony Hinkley for submitting this problem which occurred at a Nelson session recently. At the club, the four Easts who chose to defend did best. At other tables, it would seem North chose clubs and paid the price.

Hopefully, an easier problem tomorrow for our newer players as it is “Fri  day.”

Richard Solomon

 

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