HAND OF THE WEEK - 11 OCTOBER
The results of this board were surprising, almost all pairs ended in a H contract. Let’s look at the bidding sequence. W is declarer, some pairs with 11hcp and a
balanced hand open 1NT but only if they are not vulnerable, so PASS.
N holding a 6 card H suit and 7 hcp will bid 2H.
Where there is one long suit there is usually another, and in this case E has 6 Ds and 5 Cs with two singletons, point count is immaterial as it is all about distribution. Bid 2NT (Unusual NT).
S holding 4 Hs and 6 Ss and 14 hcp, it is an easy bid to say 4H.
W turn to make a decision, what do they know, between both hands they hold 9 Cs and 8 Ds with the remainder 9 cards in minors. With S bidding 4Hhis partner is probably holding 1 or none cards in H and 3 or 2 cards in Ss. Bid 5 Cs. Could be a sacrifice or could make.
All pairs ended in Hs except one which ended in Ss. Why did nobody get to a minor contract both of which make, incidentally so did 4H.
REVISITED
I should have discussed opening lead.
What is the best lead, leading the 4S is tempting as it is a singleton, if partner wins and returns a S then you can ruff. But before you do what do you know you have 11 cards in the minors, you have 2 long suits, remember what was said above Where there is one long suit there is always another, S very quickly supported N, it is highly likely he has a S suit. Better to lead a a minor.
A lead of 4S gives them a result of 4H +2.
