The Bridge Column

The Unusual no-trump convention has been popular in the tournament world for about 50 years. Should an opponent open one of a major, a jump to two notrump shows both minors, at least 5-5. Over a minor suit opening, the same bid shows the other minor plus hearts. The jury is still out on what to do when holding the other minor and spades.

South gave his spade suit a try, but North wasn’t buying it with his void in spades. South did well by supporting hearts at the four level rather than bidding his spades again. That was a wise choice suggested by his two heart honors. South won the opening trump lead in his hand with the king and paused for thought.

West needed the important missing honors for his opening bid. That meant that the ace of clubs was offside, but the king of diamonds should be well placed. Having only one entry remaining to his hand, the jack of hearts, South made the most of it. He led the king of spades, covered by West with the ace. Instead of ruffing, South simply discarded a low club from dummy and let West hold the trick. West continued with another heart to South’s jack.

Declarer cashed the queen of spades, shedding another club from dummy, and led the jack of diamonds. This was covered by West with the king and won by dummy’s ace. South drew the outstanding trumps and cashed the queen of diamonds. He claimed 11 tricks when the nine of diamonds fell from West.