HAND OF THE WEEK 2nd August

Majors versus Minors.

One would think Majors win every time but let us see.

E is dealer and has 0 hcp, PASS.

S playing 5 card majors with a hand distribution of 2533. If S bids 1H he has no rebid, so bids 1NT. If they were playing 4 card majors they could bid 1H and repeat H at 2 level.

 W with both majors 6/4 they have some options if they play multi Landy or Capeletti they could bid either 1C or 1D, depending upon the convention they play. But let’s assume they don’t, they can bid 2S.

N is also holding a distributional hand with both minors 6/5. They bid their 6 card suit, 3D. E passes.

S also passes.

W has no D so bids 3H, they have now shown partner a least 5/4 in those suits.

N now bids 4C. E passes again. S now having been shown a at least 5/4 in 2 suits can make a choice between the 2 suits and holding AKx in D bids 4D.

W is not finished yet, bids 4S.

N now knows partner can support D, so can bid 5D. It’s either a good sacrifice if W can make 4S or a good bid if N can make 5D. It’s no surprise that E leads a low S.

Dummy hits the table and N is overjoyed as dummy fills in the missing honours in both minors. Only 2 tricks to lose in S and you can declare 11 tricks, irrespective of what is lead to 3^rd trick N can win, draw trumps and run the clubs, contract making.