25 July 2011

Slams abound

Holding the lovely set of cards:

A K Q 4 3
Q J T 8
A Q J 9
-

I opened 1 and heard my partner respond 1NT (semi-forcing). A two club overcall rescued me from an awkward rebid, I doubled for takeout. Partner obliged with 2 so I continued 3 still not sure exactly where we should play. Partners 4 surely denied a decent club stopper so he must have his 6 points in the red suits. 6 seems like a clear winner.

6 5
K 6 3
K T 8 6 3
T 7 2
A K Q 4 3
Q J T 8
A Q J 9
-

Looks like a nice spot but the hearts were 5-1 and a ruff destroyed any chances. Even if they miss that, a club lead causes timing problems when the diamonds don't break. Fortunately there was a good contingent getting doubled in 4 or 5 clubs making 11 tricks. That bad diamond and heart break had to be good for something!

How do you play 6 given the K lead after the auction:

WestNorthEastSouth
122Pass
4X4Pass
6PassPassPass

A Q T 4 3 2
A K 8
A J T 6
-
K 9 8
J T 7 4 3
7
K J T 8

Yes you read correctly. Not only did the player on lead double for one but my third opponent moved with half his hand in my splinter.

2 comments:

  1. On the second hand, there isn't the transportation to try for a squeeze or a coup, so the best I've been able to come up with is: DA, d ruff, c ruff, d ruff. If that lives (N overcalled on 5, or S doesn't hold the SJ) then c ruff, d ruffed with the K, c ruff, then SA and hearts from the top, making if the HQ drops or if N started with Q 3rd.

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  2. ducking is a possible start, best north can do is probably a small D continuation, but he may not find that. If he does you probably have to ruff the other diamond high and hook a spade back.

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