BRIDGE with Bob Jones

The Gambling Three notrump opening has been popular among duplicate players for decades. The opening shows a long, solid suit, usually a minor, with no outside stopper. Partner decides whether to hold his ground in three no-trump or run to opener’s minor. We are not a big fan of the bid. In 40 plus years of tournament play, we cannot recall ever getting a poor score because the opponents used it against us or a good score because we used it.

North had a serious problem over the opening bid. Should he stay or run? There was no assurance of any heart fit.

South might even be void in hearts. Was his diamond holding good enough to stay in three no-trump? Should partner hold the queen of diamonds, or three low cards, three no-trump was probably as good as anything else. North finally decided to pass.

The idea about defending against this bid is that you have to take your tricks early or never get them. Leading an ace, if you have one, to get a look at dummy is recommended.

Note that the contract would romp home on a low spade lead. West, however, led the ace of diamonds. East encouraged and West carefully continued with the seven to partner’s queen, and then unblocked the eight under the king so that East could cash two more diamonds.

North-South finished down one in three notrump while cold for slam in hearts or clubs. As we said, we are not a fan.