HAND OF THE WEEK - THURSDAY 1ST 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.