香港橋藝論壇

[KF Tung]

This is a hand from the SP CHAN CUP on 22.7.10: (IMP scoring)

The bidding:
E/NS
West　　North　　East　　South
　 　　　　　　　　Pass 　　Pass
1　　　Pass 　 3 (1) 　 Pass
　?

(1) 10-11 points

What do you bid with the following hands?

(1)　　　 A9732
　　　　　 Q32
　　　　　 J53
　　　　　 K7

(2) 　　　 J9732
　　　　　 KQ32
　　　　　 A53
　　　　　 7

Partner has a maximum pass hand, adequate trump support and some strength in the side suits. 9 tricks will not be difficult, and you are invited to a game with suitable cards.

(1) With scattered strength in the side suits you have a lot of work to do to build up your 10th trick. Pass. If you use the losing count your hand has 8 losers.

(2) Here you can get 10 tricks when partner has length or shortness in your secondary suit. If you use the losing count your hand has 7 losers. You can accept the invitation. In addition, you can bid 4 to describe your 5-4 hand, in case 4 offers a better game.

In the match it is (2):

　　　　　 A5
　　　　　 JT4
　　　　　 Q976
　　　　　 Q843

J9732　　　　　　 KT8
KQ32　　　　　　 A9765
A53　　　　　　　 K
7　　　　　　　　 JT62

　　　　　 Q64
　　　　　 8
　　　　　 JT842
　　　　　 AK95

Declarer gets 10 tricks in 4, and 11 tricks in 4 as he can guess the spades right.

Note:

(1) There are different ways to treat a maximum pass hand with fit. In this example the dealer shows 10 – 11 points with a double raise.

(2) The third seat opening has to protect a passed dealer with 11 points. With a 5-card major suit open 1 or 1 even with 10 points.

(3) Scattered points in side suits are defensive in nature. Down grade your hand and avoid close games with such holdings.

(4) A second suit with AJXX or KQXX is an important feature. It gives aroma to your hand when there is a fit.