By Neil Bonnell, Warwick Bridge Club
Every now and then the player with the weakest hand becomes declarer and has the responsibility of bringing the contract home. On this deal, most declarers were South playing in 4H, but at two tables West played in spades. The more successful of the two was Tom Graham who made the required ten tricks. One could hardly blame North/South for doubling as they held 25 high card points to East/West’s 15.
West is probably wise not to rush into the auction after South opens either 2C, showing a strong hand, or 1H just to get things started. Even with that great distribution, four high card points isn’t much to work with. Once it is clear that North/South want to play in hearts, West’s hand becomes much more powerful, especially if partner has joined the auction. 4S is then almost compulsory if North/South reach 4H.
Against Tom’s contract of 4S, North led the Ace of hearts, which was promptly ruffed in hand. Tom drew trumps in two rounds and lost just a spade, a diamond and a club. 4S doubled was worth 590 matchpoints, which was easily a top score for E/W.
All other North/South pairs failed in 4H, but because they found their heart fit early, none played in the more comfortable 5C or the better scoring 3NT. Eleven tricks could have been made in either, with twelve tricks a possibility in no-trumps.
Results: Monday, 22/11/21 (6-table Mitchell): N/S: J. Nankervis P. Kelly (61.7) 1; N. Collins D. Moran (52.3) 2; J. Mobbs S. Goddard (50.0) 3. E/W T. Hinde N. Bonnell (64.3) 1; M. Johnston N. McGinness (51.7) 2; L. Munson T. Graham 49.7) 3.
Friday, 26/11/21 (5 & ½-table Howell): N. Collins M. Simpson (72.2) 1; J. Mobbs N. McGinness (66.2) 2; T. Hinde H. Nielsen (58.33) 3; J. Rose D. Moran (56%) 4.
