Right question, wrong answer, good result

by Henry Francis (USA)

When Sandy Low of the North American team sat down to play against China in Round 4 of the Senior Teams, she noted that the Chinese were playing the Precision Club system. She asked if the pair at the other table also were playing a forcing club. Language difficulties got in the way here - she thought her opponent said yes, but he actually said no. The misunderstanding accounts for Sandy's bidding on this hand.

Board 1. Dealer North. Love All ª 10 9 8 4 © — ¨ 10 6 4 § Q J 10 6 4 3 ª 7 6 3 ª J 2 © A K 2 © 10 9 8 7 5 ¨ J 8 7 5 3 ¨ K Q 9 § 5 2 § K 8 7 ª A K Q 5 © Q J 6 4 3 ¨ A 2 § A 9

West North East South Pass Pass 2NT Pass 3ª(1) Pass 3NT(2) Pass 4ª(3) Pass 5§(4) All Pass

(1) Transfer to 3NT on the way to a minor suit.
(2) Forced bid
(3) Shows bad clubs
(4) With heavy misgivings

Why did Sandy open 2NT with two doubletons? She figured the Chinese South would open a forcing club, and if there was a game in the hand they would find it. She feared if she opened one heart, partner might pass, not realizing the power of her hand. Her spades were strong enough that she feared East would not be able to reopen if North passed.

Sandy ruffed the heart ace opening lead and gazed longingly at the four spades in dummy. Then she attacked the job at hand instead of wishing she was in a spade game. "Never give up" is her philosophy. She cashed the ace of trumps and led a second trump to East's king. East shifted to the king of diamonds. Sandy won this and let the queen of hearts ride, pitching a diamond from dummy. Then she led another heart and ruffed out West's king. Suddenly she discovered she not only had made her contract - she had an overtrick.

Remember that the Chinese at the other table were NOT playing a forcing club? The Chinese South opened one heart - and had to play it there when everyone passed. That was exactly what Sandy feared would happen if she opened one heart. Declarer made his contract, but that was an 8-IMP pickup for the Americans.

On this deal from Round 5 of the Seniors competition, Maurice Aujaleu and Pierre Adad of France had most of the high cards, but the Potters, Richard and John, from North America took the most tricks.

Board 20. Dealer West. Game All ª A Q 9 5 © A J 9 6 ¨ J 3 § J 4 3 ª K 7 3 ª J 8 4 © Q 4 3 © K 7 2 ¨ A 9 8 6 ¨ K 7 5 2 § A 7 5 § K 10 2 ª 10 6 2 © 10 8 5 ¨ Q 10 4 § Q 9 8 6

West North East South Aujaleu R. Potter Adad J. Potter 1§ Dble 1NT All Pass

With very little that looked promising in his own hand, John Potter decided to try to find his partner's strength - he led the eight of hearts, which Adad let this run to his king. Adad led a diamond to the ace and a diamond back, Richard Potter's jack winning the trick. He led a club, and John's eight forced the ace. After cashing two diamonds, declarer got out of dummy with a spade. Richard won and led another club, won by declarer with the king. When another spade dislodged the ace, Richard was able to get to John's hand with a club. The return of the heart ten meant that the defense took the rest of the tricks for a one-trick set. The Americans at the other table made 1NT for a 5-IMP gain.

Here are the lineups for the teams playing in the Seniors Exhibition event: