Imperfect play

At any level of competition, you won’t win if your opponents play perfectly. When the United States won the 2017 Bermuda Bowl against France, they made plenty of errors but benefitted from some by the French.

One U.S. pair, Joe Grue-Brad Moss, bid boldly, opening light hands not vulnerable. In today’s deal, Moss opened one diamond as South, and when West overcalled, Grue showed spades with his first double, then a strong hand with his second. The jump to two spades by East for France showed a heart fit and spade values.

DOUBTS

When Moss bid 3NT, East expressed his doubts. West led the seven of spades.

East erred. He could have ducked, and when West takes the ace of clubs, the defense runs the spades for down one. But East took his king and led a heart. Moss won, led twice toward dummy’s club honors and had nine tricks.

In the replay, North-South made a partscore, so the U.S. gained nine IMPs. This was one of many deals that could have won the Bermuda Bowl for France.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: ♠ 10 8 6 4 ♥ 9 ♦ AK Q 7 5 ♣ K Q 4. Your partner opens one spade. The next player passes. What do you say?

ANSWER:

A direct forcing raise (such as a conventional 2NT) would show a balanced hand. A few experts would try a “splinter” jump to four hearts to show a spade fit and heart shortness. I think most would bid two diamonds, then support spades strongly. If the spades were Q-8-6-4, I would jump-shift to three diamonds. East dealer E-W vulnerable