Contract Bridge

Grand slams are comparatively rare, occurring in approximately one deal out of 100. But when the occasion arises and it becomes clear to either member of the bidding side that the possibility of a grand slam exists, good bidding technique is usually required.

Consider this case where North opened one heart and South responded with one spade. North raised to three spades (indicating 16 to 18 points and four spades), leaving South in a position where he could not be sure whether there was a small slam, a grand slam or only a game in the combined hands.

In an effort to learn more about North’s hand, South next bid four clubs, showing firstround control of clubs and interest in a slam.

North cooperated by bidding four diamonds, indicating firstround control of diamonds. This was very good news to South, who now visualized a potential grand slam.

Accordingly, South leaped to five notrump. This was the “grand slam force,” directing North to bid seven spades (the trump suit agreed upon earlier) if he held two of the three top trump honors. (With only one top honor, North would bid six spades.)

North duly responded by bidding seven spades, which was easily made. True, NorthSouth together had only 30 high-card points, but that didn’t stop them from making all the tricks.

South needed only three specific cards from partner — the A-K of trump and ace of diamonds — for the grand slam to become a feasible contract. He used the necessary tools to extract that information and was well rewarded for his efforts.