Mind Games

This to my mind is perhaps the most brilliant hand of these great championships, even though it did not result in a favourable swing.

Dealer West. None Vul.
	ª J © Q 9 6 3 ¨ J 9 7 6 3 § 7 4 2

West	North	East	South
	Auken		Nehmert
1ª	Pass	2§	Pass
3§*	Pass	3ª	Pass
4©*	Pass	4NT*	Pass
6¨*	Pass	6©*	Pass
7§	?

Three Clubs is game forcing and it look as if West has also shown a diamond void.

Would it occur to you that at this point you might be able to do something significant? I thought not. However, you can be sure that the opponents have a big fit in both black suits. Suppose you double Seven Clubs? Clearly the inference will be that you can ruff a spade, the first suit bid by dummy. The opponents will surely believe you and run to Seven Spades. Now you will be on lead and there must be a chance that partner has a club void.

This was how the auction concluded:

West	North	East	South
	Auken		Nehmert
1ª	Pass	2§	Pass
3§*	Pass	3ª	Pass
4©*	Pass	4NT	Pass
6¨	Pass	6©	Pass
7§	Dble!	7ª	All Pass

With a pounding heart you lead a club and….

This was the full deal:

	ª J © Q 9 6 3 ¨ J 9 7 6 3 § 7 4 2
ª K Q 10 7 4 © A J 8 5 ¨ - § Q J 9 5		ª A 9 8 6 © K 4 ¨ K 10 § A K 10 8 3
	ª 5 3 2 © 10 7 2 ¨ A Q 8 5 4 2 § 6

No luck this time, but just another illustration of what possibilities are on offer to those with the ability to recognise them.