Trump Support

N/S Vul
IMPs
Dealer: East
Lead: A

	brando 9 2 A K Q 10 A K Q 5 Q 9 8
nikkos K Q J 10 8 6 3 J 5 3 — A 7 4		Maestro — 9 7 6 2 9 8 6 4 3 2 K 10 2
	ice-t A 7 5 4 8 4 J 10 7 J 6 5 3

West Pass 3 Pass Pass

North 2NT Pass 3NT Pass

East Pass Pass Pass 4 !! Pass

South Pass 3 Dbl Dbl

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.)