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Playing in a local first division teams-of-four match, I found myself in a poor bridge competition. Two hands stood out:
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E/W Vuln
Dealer W |
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Our opponents bid this 1
— 1
— 4, and dummy was put down with the comment: I hope I have done enough. I did not find the killing club lead, instead choosing the 10. Double dummy, this contract is now unbeatable! Declarer was competent enough to identify the only possible tricks, and to realise that trying to win the 
K and 
K can wait (who knows what help will be forthcoming from the opponents?); she cashes a second top trump, plays a diamond to the Jack, a trump back to dummy, and a second diamond, which my partner wins, declarer following low. I have given an honest count in diamonds, so I think partner should hold off the second one, but what do I know? Partner now decides that this hand should be made simple, so plays A and another — surely a poor play, as declarer should be put to the guess. Declarer recognises the need to win the K, and leads the Q. Doom and gloom, as I follow suit, but declarer fails to overtake. No, she plays for another defensive error by playing low, then leading a heart. At this point in the proceedings, I can shine, or at least prove that (on occasions) I can pull the right card. I simply grab my two winners to defeat the contract.
— 1 — 4, and dummy was put down with the comment: I hope I have done enough. I did not find the killing club lead, instead choosing the 10. Double dummy, this contract is now unbeatable! Declarer was competent enough to identify the only possible tricks, and to realise that trying to win the K and K can wait (who knows what help will be forthcoming from the opponents?); she cashes a second top trump, plays a diamond to the Jack, a trump back to dummy, and a second diamond, which my partner wins, declarer following low. I have given an honest count in diamonds, so I think partner should hold off the second one, but what do I know? Partner now decides that this hand should be made simple, so plays A and another — surely a poor play, as declarer should be put to the guess. Declarer recognises the need to win the K, and leads the Q. Doom and gloom, as I follow suit, but declarer fails to overtake. No, she plays for another defensive error by playing low, then leading a heart. At this point in the proceedings, I can shine, or at least prove that (on occasions) I can pull the right card. I simply grab my two winners to defeat the contract.
Count the poor plays. Any advance on 4?
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None Vuln
Dealer S |
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The opening lead is a diamond, which I win with the Ace (probably should use the King, but the Ace is easier for me to spot, and reduces panic attacks later). Given potential number of heart losers, I cross to A and lead J to the Queen. LHO presses on with a diamond, I win the K and play a low club to the 9, and a club to the 10 — A. On the third club, RHO discards
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no, it surely can't be
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oh yes it is
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Q!!!!!!!
A and lead J to the Queen. LHO presses on with a diamond, I win the K and play a low club to the 9, and a club to the 10 — A. On the third club, RHO discards .
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no, it surely can't be
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oh yes it is
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Q!!!!!!!
This is such an obvious signal, LHO plays J, and I claim 9 tricks. Was my 2NT an underbid?
J, and I claim 9 tricks. Was my 2NT an underbid?
Their autopsy was quite amusing also, with LHO announcing that she knew about her partner's heart suit, and RHO noting that she could not throw a spade.
After bridge of this standard, it probably comes as no surprise that our team had played E/W in both rooms, so the match will have to be replayed.