Dealer: E Vul: Both
NORTH
♠ Q98753
♥ 32
♦ 94
♣ 872
WEST EAST
♠ AJ10 ♠ K62
♥ 10765 ♥ AKQJ98
♦ K72 ♦ AQ
♣ AQ5 ♣ KJ
SOUTH
♠ 4
♥ 4
♦ J108653
♣ 109643
Congratulations to John Nankervis and Leanne Munson on bidding the first grand slam since December and to Warwick Milne and Janny Sipple, who finished top in the local heat of the Australia-Wide Novice Pairs.
The grand slam was bid on Board 10 (above) on Friday. Leanne opened the bidding with 2D, which showed 23 high card points, to which John responded with 2H. This was a waiting bid, asking partner for more information. John already knew that he and Leanne held at least 36 of the 40 points in the pack and so when Leanne responded with 3H, John asked for Aces.
This was done with the artificial bid of 4C.
East showed two Aces and in response to 5C showed three kings.
With all the Aces and Kings and a combined holding of ten trumps, 7H was the place to be. John, who became declarer, received the surprising lead of the Queen of spades.
When this was beaten, declarer’s only potential loser disappeared. The logic of that lead was that it was the only one of North’s cards that might promote a trick for partner.
The only reasonable alternative was the neutral lead of a trump. Having found a viable contract, declarer’s task was simply to draw trumps and then claim the rest of the thirteen tricks.
It may be of some consolation to North to know that thirteen tricks can be made against any lead. That potential spade loser in East’s hand can be discarded on the third round of either clubs or diamonds.
Results: Monday, 29/05/23 (5-table Mitchell): N/S J. Mobbs S. Goddard (56.20 1; J. Nankervis P.Kelly (52.9) 2. E/W H. Price T. Hinde (67.1) 1; P. Campbell D. Moran (55.8) 2. Friday, 02/06/23 (5 & ½-table Howell): L. Munson J. Nankervis (69.6) 1; J. Mobbs T. Hinde (60.2) 2; N. Collins M. Simpson (59.7) 3; N. Bonnell B. Bonnell (57.4) 4.
