Freaks on parade

Today’s deal, from a recent tournament in Europe, features some unusual bidding. South’s opening bid had two possible meanings, but on frequency, it would usually be a weak two-bid in spades. West’s jump to three spades presumed South was weak with spades, which seemed likely when South passed three spades doubled. West’s four no trump continuation showed a big hand with both minors, and East bid his lower ranking three-card minor. South’s six diamond bid may look funny, but it was quite a brilliant bid. To bid at all at the six level, he must have the strong hand with hearts. His pass of three spades doubled suggested an excellent spade suit on the side. His choice of six diamonds, rather than six clubs, showed a first-round control and was a try for seven in whatever major North might choose. That’s a lot of mileage to get out of one bid. Had North’s minor-suit holdings been reversed, he might well have bid seven hearts over the six-diamond bid. South actually made 13 tricks when West chose to lead the king of diamonds rather than the ace of clubs. South’s club went on the ace of diamonds, and a heart to the ace revealed the trump position. A spade to dummy’s queen was followed by a heart finesse, and South was able to ruff a spade in dummy while East followed to four rounds of the suit. Should West have bid one more? That depends. What would he have led against seven hearts?