Bridge: July 23, 2022

Cy the Cynic, a member of my club, states there is no point in being a pessimist it’ll by no means enable you in any case. But declarer need to in some cases get a pessimistic check out: He need to guard a deal by catering to a foul lie of the playing cards.

In today’s deal North raised South’s activity-test of 2NT to 3NT. The nine-trick recreation was extra probable to be successful than an 11-trick match at diamonds (and probably a 10-trick recreation at hearts even if South had 5 cards in hearts).

When West led the jack of spades, South took dummy’s ace and cashed the A-K of diamonds, expecting a usual 3-2 crack. The breaks had been abnormal in its place, and South won only 7 methods.

OPTIMIST

South was an optimist when he desired to be a pessimist. At Trick Two, dummy need to lead a reduced diamond. South can earn any return and run the diamonds, successful 5 diamonds, two spades, a heart and a club.

At matchpoint replicate, South could possibly reasonably attempt for an overtrick. At other varieties of scoring, he will have to consider to guarantee the deal.

Each day Concern

You maintain: S K 5 3 H A J 8 4 D 5 4 C A 10 9 3. Your companion opens just one diamond, you react 1 coronary heart and he bids

a person spade. What do you say?

Response: This scenario is near, and significantly relies upon on your partner’s fashion. If his opening bids are recognised to be audio, bid 3NT. If rather he tends to open up light, shapely arms, settle for 2NT, invitational. With most companions, I would commit to sport due to the fact of the fantastic intermediate cards in golf equipment.

North seller

N-S vulnerable

NORTH

S A

H 6 3 2

D A K Q 7 6 2

C 6 5 2

WEST

S J 10 9 8 4

H Q 10 7 5

D 8

C K J 4

EAST

S Q 7 6 2

H K 9

D J 10 9 3

C Q 8 7

SOUTH

S K 5 3

H A J 8 4

D 5 4

C A 10 9 3

North East South West
1D Pass 1H Move
2D Pass 2NT Pass
3NT All Go
Opening lead — S J

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