Post by Robert ChancePost by Dave FlowerThis was the last (of 32) boards.
Inter-county match, IMPs, vul v. non-vul, partner dealt
4
10 3 2
A K 10 8 5 2
A Q 3
3C pass ?
I bid 4C (do you agree ?)
The bidding proceeded
3C pass 4C 5C(majors)
pass 5S(slow) all pass
A K 10 5 2
A Q 9 7 6 5
6
9
Plan the defence
Dave Flower
I would have bid 5C, even at this vulnerability. If you bid 4C and then pass them out in four of a major, you could easily be conceding a double game swing (all partner really needs for 5C to make is a singleton heart). If you are not planning to pass them out in four of a major, you should surely bid an immediate 5C.
Defending 5S, my first reaction is to cash the ace of clubs at trick 2 and play a small diamond at trick 3. Give partner, say, Qx Jxx Q KJTxxxx, and this guarantees one down, whereas any other defence gives declarer a chance. Ditto Qx xx Q KJTxxxxx.
This was my first thought too, but the more I think about it, the more I
think partner wants a heart ruff. Depends how meaningful you think the
slow 5S bid is. If it is always going to be slow on the last board on
this auction, it means nothing. If it is meaningful, then declarer can't
have a hand that is 5=1=5=2. It is more likely he is 4=4=3=2 and
deciding which major to bid. I'd still cash the CA first though and not
worry about the 2nd undoubled nv undertrick. On the other hand, if that
is partner's hand, we've missed 6 and the defense might not matter.