The value of hands is highly variable

PEARLS BEFORE SWINE® GARFIELD® BIG NATE® ARLO & JANIS® ZITS®

Throughout the history of bridge, players have tinkered with hand-evaluation numbers. But the 4-3-2-1 count still rules because it is so easy. However, regardless of method, in any given deal the bidding can greatly affect the value of a hand. If you would like some good advice, buy Augie Boehm’s latest book, “Expert Hand Evaluation” (HNB).

Look at the North hand in today’s diagram and the auction. What should North do now? South’s two-no-trump overcall promised at least 5-5 in the minors, and his double indicated a strong hand.

The vulnerability is given, but for once it is irrelevant. Many players would pass, almost out of fright. But this overlooks that North-south have a double fit with at least nine cards in each minor. This means that East-west also must have a double fit in the majors. The basic rule on double-fit deals is to declare.

North should bid four no-trump to ask his partner to pick the trump suit.

Notice that both five clubs and five diamonds are cold. South loses two heart tricks, but gets to the board with the diamond queen to take a winning club finesse. How does four spades doubled get on? If North leads a club, South can cash out for down one. But if North starts with a diamond, South must be careful. After taking the first trick, he must cash his spade ace. If instead he tries to win a second diamond trick, West can ruff, take two high hearts, ruff the diamond jack and exit with a spade. South is endplayed, forced to open up clubs or concede a ruff-and-sluff.