ACES ON BRIDGE
Consider today’s deal as a potential defensive problem against three no-trump.
When the deal arose in the qualifying round of the 2022 Mixed Teams Championship in Wroclaw, Poland, at one table Maggie Knottenbelt opened one diamond and rebid one no-trump as North. In response to that, David Gold forced to game with an artificial two diamonds. Having investigated unsuccessfully for a fit in either major, the English pair settled on what seems to be the normal three no-trump contract in such circumstances, but declared by North.
East led a club around to declarer’s king, and Knottenbelt played on spades. When the defenders got in with the spade ace but had only three club winners to cash, she claimed her contract.
Now look to our featured table. On lead as West after the given auction, where the one-diamond response was artificial, showing hearts, what are your thoughts? The bidding has told you only that dummy has a weak notrump hand type, that the opponents have a 3-4 heart fit and declarer has at least one spade stopper. To set three no-trump, you must find partner with values, but the key is that she passed the one-club opener rather than doubling for takeout or overcalling in a suit. The most logical reason for doing that is club length. Mike Bell duly tabled the only card in his hand that could defeat the contract, the club jack.
No matter how declarer played from there on in, the defenders were sure to make four club tricks and the spade ace, and 10 international match points went to Team Knottenbelt.
ANSWER: It is advantageous to set up a game-forcing auction as soon as possible. Respond with a natural and game-forcing two clubs. The spade suit can wait for now, and your partner will bid two spades at his next turn if he has four, regardless of his values. Consider making this call unless your spades are good enough to play facing three to an honor, when you might want to bid the suit immediately.