The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
DAILY BRIDGE CLUB:
Today’s deal appeared in the Daily Bulletin at the ACBL Fall Championships. In a pairs event, NorthSouth bid and raised spades. Then East came in with a “pre-balancing” double, and West took out to three clubs. North pushed on to three spades, passed out.
West led the nine of hearts, and East slipped by winning and returning a heart, hoping his partner would ruff. South drew trumps and threw a diamond on dummy’s fourth heart, making four for plus 170 — a top score.
East thought he might have opened one diamond — much easier in hindsight. He also thought North should have doubled three clubs to show a good defensive hand, inviting South to play for a penalty. East observed that North-South would be plus 300 against three clubs doubled.
I doubt that. NorthSouth would win six tricks on defense only if North led a heart — not exactly clear. Even then, if West took the ace and led a spade, South would have to win and lead a trump, ducked (!) by North.
DAILY QUESTION: You hold: ♠ 43 ♥ A753 ◆ A Q62 ♣ J 7 6. Your partner opens one spade, you respond two diamonds, he rebids two spades and you try 2NT. Partner then bids three diamonds. What do you say?
ANSWER: Your partner is looking for a place to play. His bidding suggests six spades, diamond tolerance and no desire to play at game or at notrump. Bid three spades or perhaps four spades.