BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

South - AK942 KQ9652 K5 Dealer South Teams E-W Vulnerable SouTH would open 1 on this hand, but what action would you take next, when the next two hands pass, and East doubles? The wise option is to pass. It seems obvious the opponents have the balance of strength and also a fit in spades; however, you have good defensive values sitting over the stronger hand and you’d hope to defeat any game contract.

It would not be a good idea to show your heart suit now, because such information would be more likely to assist the other side. If you are an imaginative player, and would like to sabotage the opponents’ auction, you could also bid the opponents’ presumed suit with 1 , before West has a chance to do so! Such an outrageous ‘psyche’ is ethical, providing partner has no inkling the bid might be anything other than natural.

I do not approve of psyching against beginners or inexperienced players because, apart from confusing them, it invariably spoils their enjoyment of the game. however, in a field of seasoned campaigners, the psyche is an important weapon to have in your tournament armoury.

Tomorrow, we’ll look at the full deal after South decides to psyche, and the auction continues 1 -P-2 -Dble-5 -P-P-Dble. PETER DONOVAN