CONTRACT BRIDGE Overbidder’s paradise in national pairs

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32860, 8 March 1972, Page 10

CONTRACT BRIDGE Overbidder’s paradise in national pairs

(Contributed by J.R.W.)

February 26 was the day bridge players all over the country reported to their clubs for duty in the national pairs contest. New Zealand, for the first time, will in June this year send a team to the World Bridge Olympiad in Miami. For six players and a captain this is an expensive undertaking. The New Zealand Contract Bridge Association pays only the travelling expenses of the players. So a nation-wide competition was organised in which all contestants played the same set hands, the proceeds going to the Association's travel fund. If the response from the Christchurch clubs is any guide, the event was most successful, but unfortunately one cannot say the same for the choice of hands. There were few where delicate bidding was required to find the optimum final contract, none featuring unusual or instructive defensive situations, and none demanding any subtlety in dummy play. Of the 28 deals available only two were part-scores, so the competitors quickly learned to keep on bidding until game was reached or until doubled. Even the most confirmed over-bidder became punchdrunk in these circumstances, particularly since so many hands followed the same pattern —one side could make five clubs, but the other had a good sacrifice in hearts This was a typical deal: N. S—A KQB 6 3 H—Q 10 4 D—s C—B7 2 W. E. S—lo S—J 9 4 H—3 H—9 86 2 D—AKIO9B6 D—Q73 C—KQJ96 C— AlO4 S. S—7 5 2 H—AKJ7 5 D—J42 C—s 3 I With both sides vulnerable : and West the dealer the auction at one table developed as follows: w. n. e. s. ; ID IS No 2H , 3C 3S 4D No 5D All pass ( West was Mrs G. W. Wil- ; son who recognised the , strength of her powerful i two-suiter, and East was Mrs J. B. Jackson who appreciated the value of her two honour cards in her, partner’s suits. This was one of the hands which helped them to top place at the Christchurch bridge club, for 11 tricks were soon gathered in when the only defensive winners were the aces of hearts and spades. As on many deals, NorthSouth would have done better to call five spades. In this contract the third round of clubs can be ruffed in the

South hand, so that North confines his losers to one in diamonds and two in clubs. One down represents a good save against the opponents’ vulnerable game, but it is hard for either partner to be quite sure. After all, they hold between exactly half the high cards, so they can expect to make more than two tricks in defence. The other top place at the Christchurch club was won by Miss S. K. Harrison and Mrs I. D. Leggat, who were allowed to play in, and who easily made four hearts on this deal. The winners at the other local heat at Crockfords’ Club were P. J. Oakley and R. B. Vincent, and Mrs M. Armstrong and Mrs I. Leitch. Bright Defence This was one of the better deals, for it offered the opportunity for good defensive Play: N. S—6 4 2 H—Q 6 5 4 3 D—lo C—A 7 5 2 W. E. S—B 3 S—A K Q 9 7 H—J 10 7 H—9 D—Q J 9 D—K 8 5 3 2 C—K Q 8 6 4 C—J 10 S. S—J 10 5 H—A K 8 2 D—A 7 6 4 C—9 3 At several tables South played in hearts, making nine

tricks when he had to lose three spades and one club.

The interest came when East pushed on to four spades. South starts off with the ace of hearts, sees his partner’s three and recognises this must show a holding of five cards for with two or four North would play highlow. Since it is futile to try to make a second heart trick, South switches to a club. North grabs his ace, and sends back the ten of. diamonds, hoping his partner has either the ace or a quick entry in the trump suit. Recognising that North would not have released the ace of clubs and set up dummy’s suit so quickly had he not had a reason, South takes the ace of diamonds to give his partner a ruff. This bright defence produces four tricks. If the defenders are not awake the declarer can draw trumps and lose only: to the three outstanding aces. It is a pity there were not more 'deals of this sort.