26 April 2012

To Gamble?

First a bidding challenge, it's IMPs, you're favourable and first to act. These are the cards you're dealt:

A T 2
A 8 7 6 5 2
Q 7 4 3
-

Well? Are you gonna do it? Does your partner agree?


Assuming you've voted I can get on with the story. If not then wave your eyes back up there and make a decision!

Whether it's correct or not I passed. The hand is two playable in other denominations for a weak two (not to mention the suit quality). I could open one but I'd need to get the bucket if partner responds 2.

Then the auction got exciting:
WestNorthEastSouth
Pass! 3NT* Pass 4

Second to act opened a gambling 3NT which his partner pulled. Presumably that meant they were wide open in a suit and that must mean we have a contract!

Not wanting to punish partner for making the wrong choice holding 4-4 or 5-4 in the majors I bid:

WestNorthEastSouth
Pass 3NT Pass 4
4 5 X End

If you guessed at the layout you probably didn't guess this...


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

North (following the system card) was of the opinion that 3NT showed a minor preempt. My partner had been enjoying herself wondering which minor North thought was solid. We'll never know if she would have pulled to 5 had North passed but double was worth +500 and 1 imp (crossed against 8 other tables).

2 comments:

  1. This was an interesting hand. I'm interested to see I'm the first vote for pass!

    I did actually open 1H at the table but I'm not convinced it's best, I agree with your point about having three possible strains and a poor suit. I'm very wary about opening a "weak two" with two aces, it's a lot more defence that partner is likely to expect.

    We got to 5D, making 7 when a club was led (SA entry to established hearts).

    Is 6D a contract worth being in?

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  2. 1H, easy. Excellent offensive strength; too much to pass IMO. 2H is ridiculous - three first round controls is absolutely not a weak hand. I'd rather open 4

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