BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

WE now see the South hand, referred to over the past two days. If you had been South, how would you have constructed partner’s hand from the information conveyed by his bidding? THE initial 2♣ response promised at least 8HCPs and is forcing for one round. It may contain as many as 18HCPs, without necessarily holding more than a three-card club suit (when used as a ‘waiting bid’).

South must wait for the rebid before knowing which of various hand types partner holds. And the 3♠ rebid shows a hand which itself is strong enough to make a forcing reverse on the second round, i.e. at least 12HCPs, with at least four spades and a longer club suit. Such information is sufficient for South to be in a slam, and he might well bid 6♠ next.

North’s bidding is consistent with a holding such as ♠AKxx ♥Qx ♦xx ♣Kxxxx, in which case the Grand Slam will have excellent chances.

We can see that the contract should be played in 3NT, and this will be reached safely if North does not overbid his hand so drastically.