BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

WHEN North failed to open 1 ♠ here, E-W quickly reached 4 ♥ , and were allowed to make it after a diamond lead. This was the most memorable deal from the annual Roehampton Club’s Swiss Teams event, held each October. Memorable, because the double game swing cost his team the Trophy!

When North does open 1 ♠ , and I think he should, N-S will reach their unbeatable spade game and, if the opponents opt to advance to 5 ♥ , their doubled contract will be two down, because South will lead ♠ A, then switch to a club following partner’s suit preference signal.

There is a little sympathy for North’s decision to pass, because he fears a 2 ♥ response from partner, and considers his suit to be barely rebiddable. However, there can be no sympathy for his failure to compete with a double at his next opportunity. Apart from showing his spade holding by implication, it is inconceivable that any 5-level contract chosen by South will go more than three down, and this will still be a fair save against the vulnerable game.