Once in a while, the theory works

A.N. Onymous said, “In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is.” That’s true. Bridge players have pet theories and are happy when one works out. Have a look at the North hand. Partner deals and opens one club. What should North respond after West passes? Bridge revolves around the majors; however, if it is a slam deal, we do not mind playing in a minor, because we have to win 12 or 13 tricks whatever the strain. I have a theory that with game-forcing values, you should investigate possible fits in all of the suits. When this deal occurred in a team match, North, agreeing with me, responded one diamond, notonespade.Then,after South rebid one spade, North raised to four spades. West led the diamond ace but could not read partner’s five. Hoping it was a singleton, West led the diamond two (suit-preference for clubs). South discarded a heart from his hand, drew trumps ending in the dummy, pitched two more hearts on the other diamond honours and led a club. When East (who had kept all of his clubs) played low, South put in his 10 and ended with an overtrick. But the contract was safe, even if West had had a singleton club honour. At the other table, North responded one spade and became declarer in four spades. East led the club queen. West ruffed South’s king and shifted to a low heart. In desperation, North tried the king, but now went down two, losing two hearts, one diamond and two club ruffs. One deal proves little, but I am happy to tell you about it.