Helping an opponent

My friend Richard Oshlag often sends me deals that support my notion that players bid without considering the consequences. These days, Oshlag has little trouble finding examples. He was today’s South in the Open Pairs at the American Contract Bridge League’s Spring North American Bridge Championships. East’s two spades showed length in spades and a minor suit.

At four hearts, Oshlag took the ace of spades and led a trump to his ace and back to dummy’s jack, guided by East’s

♥

bid. He took the king, ruffed dummy’s

♦

last spade and cashed four diamond tricks.

End play

Next, knowing that East had spades and clubs, Oshlag led a club to ... dummy’s queen. East took the ace and was end-played: He could lead a spade, conceding a ruff-sluff, or a club from his jack. Making six!

I suppose hindsight is 20-20, but after North opened 1NT, East was unlikely to buy the contract, and his bid gave South a roadmap in the play. Any bid must have a realistic goal, especially against expert opponents who will draw inferences from your actions.

Daily question

You hold: ♠ K Q 10 8 2 ♥ 8 ♦ J 8 7 ♣ A J 9 7. The dealer, at your left, opens one diamond. Your partner doubles. The next player passes. What do you say?

ANSWER: You certainly have a game; partner promises opening values or more and will almost always have spade support. A jump to four spades would be acceptable, but there is no rush. Since you can make a slam if he holds A 9 6 3, A J 5 4, 3, K Q 6 5, cue-bid two diamonds and see how partner reacts.

North dealer

E-W vulnerable