Jun 292002
brando N
Spades 9 2
Hearts A K Q T
Diamonds A K Q 5
Clubs Q 9 8
nikkos W
Spades K Q J T 8 6 3
Hearts J 5 3
Diamonds —
Clubs A 7 4
Maestro E
Spades —
Hearts 9 7 6 2
Diamonds 9 8 6 4 3 2
Clubs K T 2
ice-t S
Spades A 7 5 4
Hearts 8 4
Diamonds J T 7
Clubs J 6 5 3
| West | North | East | South |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pass | Pass | ||
| Pass | 2NT | Pass | 3♣ |
| 3♠ | Pass | Pass | Dbl |
| Pass | 3NT | 4♠!! | Dbl |
| Pass | Pass | Pass |
One might get the impression from reading these pages that Gerard always goes minus. Nothing could be further from the truth (well, maybe some things). Today we observe how an EXPERT evaluates his trump support.
Gerard, wisely divining that his partner had a full opener despite passing third hand, finds the brilliant bid of raising to game on a void! On the bidding it is obvious (to the EXPERT, if not the Small Time Club Player) that North holds a tenace in hearts, and that his partner’s honors will either drop or be finessable. Sure enough 3NT is cold, and Gee saves 5 IMPs or so with minimal risk. (Today’s hand courtesy of faithful reader Doug Ross.)
G had actually wisely divined that partner — with 7 tricks in his own hand — might forget to bid 4S if 3NT were passed around to him.