Quirky quandary

Today’s quirky little number was dealt at a recent Otago Bridge Club teams night.

Two spades was a very common score at a number of tables, but sometimes by North/South and sometimes by East. Needless to say, one was more successful than the other.

Let’s consider how North/ South might have ended up in two spades.

Some pairs play a 13 to 15point one notrump, and that was our North’s choice of opener. East doubled, and now South starts scrambling by redoubling to show a singlesuited hand. North is required to bid two clubs, which South passes or corrects, as the case may be. Here, he converts to two spades.

However, while North/ South were trotting out their rescue sequence, East/West would have to resist the temptation to bid further. Not easy, especially with the East hand. And, if South (or North, by way of transfer) got to call two spades, would a second double from East now be for penalties?

Some pairs play, after having doubled one notrump, all subsequent doubles as business. Others like to treat a second double as takeout.

In practice, it’s usually going to be difficult for East/West to collect the juicy plus800 on offer for defeating two spades, doubled, by three tricks.

Most of the time, East bid two spades along the way, and was left to play there.

East, as declarer in two spades, has to lose three tricks in the reds, two spades and the ace of clubs. At first glance, it looks as if skilful defence might force declarer to play the clubs from hand and lose both tricks in the suit, but this is probably not likely to happen.

The hand is best enjoyed by the very weak. West can make two hearts, while South would be perfectly happy defending against two spades.