Examine the Evidence


frs1016@centurylink.net
You’ve been called to serve on a grand jury (lucky you), investigating the result in today’s deal from a team match.

Dlr: South ♠ A J 9 8 5 3 2
Vul: N-S Q
10 9 8 4
♣ A
♠ 7 ♠ K Q 10 4
10 8 7 4 3 2
A K Q J 6 5 7 2
♣ K 2 ♣ 8 7 6 4 3
♠ 6
A K J 9 6 5
3
♣ Q J 10 9 5
South West North East
1 2 2♠ Pass
3♣ Pass 3♠ Pass
4 All Pass

Opening lead — K
At one table, North-South bid as shown to 4. South ruffed West’s second high diamond, led a trump to the queen, took the ♣A, ruffed a diamond and drew trumps. That left him with none, so when West took the ♣K, he ran the diamonds. Down two.
At the other table, the auction began the same way, but North bid 4♠ at his last turn. East led a diamond, and when West shifted to a trump, the result was down two again.
Do you hand down any indictments?

No Spades

The second North might well have passed 4. Would it have mattered? Maybe, because that contract was cold.
After South ruffs the second diamond, he should take the ♣A and overtake the Q to cash the ace, king and jack. South then forces out the ♣K. He retains trump control and loses one trump, one club and one diamond.

Daily Question

You hold: ♠7   10 8 7 4 A K Q J 6 5    ♣K 2.
Your partner opens 1♣, you respond 1, he bids 1♠ and you try 2. Partner then bids 3♣. What do you say?

ANSWER
Partner has five or six clubs and four spades. He wasn’t willing to bid notrump at his third turn, but he hasn’t denied a bit of extra strength. Your best contract is uncertain; slam is possible. Bid 3, forcing. Partner may hold: ♠A J 6 5  2 10 8   ♣A Q J 6 5 3

The Zoom Room is available Monday through Friday, 3:30 pm-5:30 pm (Eastern).

Getting help is easier than ever with the ACBL Zoom Chat service.
Simply click the "Join Zoom Chat" button below to be taken to our dedicated zoom room.
Once there, click the "Launch Meeting" button to start your session. To hear us and vice-versa - don't forget to "Join with computer audio."

If the Zoom Room isn't available and you need answers, you can email us at membership@acbl.org.

Join Zoom Chat