Double fit leads to more winners

Eugen Rosenstock-Huessy, a historian and social philosopher, said, “Grammar and logic free language from being at the mercy of the tone of voice. Grammar protects us against misunderstanding the sound of an uttered name; logic protects us against what we say having double meaning.”

A bridge partnership with a double fit is protected from losing as many tricks as the combined point-count would suggest. Each player should be working to find out if a double fit exists.

In this deal, what should South bid on the third round, given that North’s three-spade rebid is game-forcing with three-card support?

South’s two-no-trump rebid indicated a balanced 12-14 points; although there was a strong case for his rebidding three clubs. Then, over three spades, South can raise to four spades with a hand that is not slam-suitable. Here, however, with those wonderful clubs, South should continue with four clubs. North would controlbid four diamonds, and South would bid four spades, making it plain that he has no heart control. North, with his singleton, might jump straight to six spades, or could cautiously go via four no-trump.

Admittedly, bidding like that helps the opponents find the best opening lead, but here it does not matter. Even after two rounds of hearts, making dummy ruff with the spade eight, declarer cashes the spade king and queen, crosses to his hand with, say, a diamond, draws East’s last two trumps and claims.

With slam interest, the king in partner’s side suit will usually be as good as the ace.