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N/S hold a combined 25 highs yet there's no game available. It's a great demonstration of the weakness of the 4333 shape.
At our table our opponents went through an invitational auction avoiding 4♥ in favour of 3NT. I led the ♠7 and though declarer dropped one of the club honours it wasn't enough, down 1.
Our friends at the other table starting with South had the auction:
The 1♦ is a transfer and promised 4+ hearts, the 2♥ showed four hearts in a weak NT. A nicely judged pass by North saw a plus on both score sheets and 6 imps to the good guys.
HBJ : the problem as always is symmetry. It is back enough having flat hands but when the shape is mirrored exactly, then it is really bad news.
ReplyDeleteThere needs to be a bridge law to expose this phenomenon : say " Skipper's Rule of Symmetry "
3NT is a complex spot, depending on the lead. If opponents always broke their best suit and defended perfectly, it would definitely be less than 50% (spade queen onside). Wouldn't rate it much less than 50% at worst, though, so would for sure want to be there vul at teams. Still, good pass from North, especially assuming they don't have a natural 2NT invite available.
ReplyDelete@HBJ: Something like that. The problem is I'd have to suggest a solution and "play a full shape relay to find out" simply won't catch on.
ReplyDelete@Nick: You're right 3NT has chances. NS are lucky to hold the ♣T9 and the ♠T otherwise it's much more grim.
HBJ : Make a 1D opening natural or a flat 4333 hand say. Partner can bid 2D showing a definite 4333 flat hand with opening points. Opener, if possessing a flat 12/13 count hand, can now bid 2H/2S if this is his 4 card suit, or 2NT if it is clubs. Now how easy is that for responder to decide on the final contract?
ReplyDelete