Bridge

Dismal

Dealer: South Both vulnerable NORTH ƄJ74 ƆJ964 ƇJ84 ƅ754 WEST EAST ƄK Ƅ$ ƆQ1075 Ɔ Ƈ952 ƇK3 ƅAKJ96 ƅQ102 SOUTH ƄQ1085 ƆAK ƇAQ1076 ƅ83

N

W

E S 1NT

All Pass

Opening Lead: ƅK

West followed with the club six when partner contributed an encouraging ten. East won the queen to return another as the defense won five tricks on which declarer parted with a spade and two diamonds but East two spades. West exited with a heart as South continued with a spade for the king but West played another heart. Declarer drove out the ace of spades as East fired back a heart for partner's queen. South had refused to throw a heart from the table on the run of the clubs so the forced diamond return was into the ace-queen. However, the contract was still down two, N-S -200. South should open one diamond, in my view, making it easier to find a potential spade fit. On this occasion, West is likely to overcall two clubs where East's raise to three clubs will end the auction. West is booked to lose two hearts and two diamond tricks to record a modest +110. E-W were playing Cappelletti so West declined to take any action over the 1NT opening. A two club overcall would promise a one-suited hand (any suit) but two hearts would reveal hearts and a minor. West rejected this action because he held only four hearts where this call might culminate in play in a 4-2 fit. Author: 'DYH :LOOLV YLVLW KLV ZHEVLWH DW www.insidebridge.ca

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