Hindsight 20/20?

Today’s deal appeared in the excellent Daily Bulletin at the ACBL Fall Championships. In a pairs event, North-South bid and raised spades. Then East came in with a “pre-balancing” double, and West took out to three clubs. North pushed on to three spades, passed out.

West led the nine of hearts, and East slipped by winning and returning a heart, hoping his partner would ruff. South drew trumps and threw a diamond on dummy’s fourth heart, making four for plus 170 — a top score.

HINDSIGHT

East thought he might have opened one diamond — much easier in hindsight. He also thought North should have doubled three clubs to show a good defensive hand, inviting South to play for a penalty. East observed that North-South would be plus 300 against three clubs doubled.

I doubt that. North-South would win six tricks on defense only if North led a heart — not exactly clear. Even then, if West took the ace and led a spade, South would have to win and lead a trump, ducked (!) by North.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: ♠ 4 3 ♥ A7 5 3 ♦ AQ62 ♣ J 7 6. Your partner opens one spade, you respond two diamonds, he rebids two spades and you try 2NT. Partner then bids three diamonds. What do you say?

ANSWER: Your partner is looking for a place to play. His bidding suggests six spades, diamond tolerance and no desire to play at game or at notrump. Bid three spades or perhaps (if you are vulnerable) four spades. Partner may hold A K 10 8 5 2, 2, K 10 5, Q 3 2. North dealer Neither side vulnerable