NEW CANADIAN BRIDGE

Thursday, January 21, 2021

South could not avoid the loss of two hearts, a club, a diamond and the king of spades, N-S -500.

The decision to overcall had culminated in a disaster when West doubled the major suit game. North could hardly be faulted for raising to four spades.

South should have remained silent and passed the threelevel pre-empt. His collection was good enough to overcall at the one level or if East had opened with a weak two-bid but not at three-level.

Did he really believe that partner would pass?

South had promised a much better hand than the one that he actually held. The king-queen of clubs were completely wasted values but the game would still be defeated if we exchange North's king of clubs for the ace.

If he passes and West does likewise, partner would be given an opportunity to balance. On this occasion, North would pass three diamonds where East would record nine or perhaps ten tricks for a modest plus score. The inherent danger in bidding three spades was amply illustrated by the auction when West lowered the boom with a penalty double of the major suit game.

Author: Dave Willis - visit his website at www.insidebridge.ca Questions on bridge can be sent with a stamped, self-addressed envelope to The New Canadian Bridge c/o Torstar Syndication Services, One Yonge St., Toronto, M5E 1E6.