When conventions just go crazy

Press, 6 November 1984, Page 10

When conventions just go crazy

CONTRACT BRIDGE

J.R. Wignall

Although today’s bridge players bid much more competently than those of 20 to 30 years ago, many would do even better if they only stuck to simple systems. There is no doubt that many of the conventions played today are extremely useftil, but equally little doubt that many are worse than useless. There seems to be a built-in high propensity to self-destruction. This hand, dealt by East, with only North-South vulnerable, is an example:—

1 The auction requires some explanation. East’s opening two diamonds was the “multi-coloured” variety, with several possible meanings. It could indicate a six-card heart or spade suit in a weakish hand, or it could be a strong, balanced hand of 23 points or so. There was a mechanism for the partners to sort out which it was, but on this occasion, as we shall see, it proved difficult to use it. South overcalled with a natural three diamonds; and West, uncertain as to what his partner had, passed to await developments. These were soon forthcoming in •the shape of a bold leap' to five diamonds by North. After a pass from East, South took a shot at six. In fact, this was an excellent contract that would have been easily made. Assuming a heart lead, the declarer ruffs, draws trumgs in three rounds then collects four tricks in

spades by means of a finesse against the king. On the fourth spade he discards a club, cashes the ace and king of clubs, and ruffs a club with dummy’s remaining diamond. . The last trump in his hand is the twelfth trick, and he finally concedes one club trick to the defenders. It did not work out like this. When the six-diamond call came round to him, East doubled, with the best intentions in the world. Some years ago Theodore Lightner, a partner of Culbertson, enunciated the principle that there was little point in doubling good players for penalties in a freely bid slam contract. At best the increase in the penalty would be only marginal, and if the distribution were really freakish a redouble could be expensive. It was far better, he pronounced, to use a double to demand an unusual lead. Usually, the doubler would have a void so that he could trump the opening lead. East’s was a Lightner double, therefore, expecting his partner to lead a club. From West’s point of view, it was not nearly so clear-cut. How could a partner with a weak two bid in spades or hearts maie a

penalty double of a freely bid six diamond contract? Was it not more likely that East held the strong 23point balanced hand, and his opponents were fooling around trying to steal the contract? Who among us can bear to be talked out of the slam bonus that is rightly ours? Firmly, West called six no trumps, confident he had all the right cards. North’s double came as a surprise both to him and to East. The latter, in fact, was confused by the whole auction, but reflected that his partner still had another bid. So he passed to allow him to clarify. The pass confirmed West’s diagnosis of the situation. Had East been really weak, he could have rescued into seven hearts or seven spades. Confidently, he stood his ground. The dummy was a horrible sight, and the carnage was frightful. After collecting five tricks in diamonds, the defenders took four in spades, then the two top clubs. Down 10 was no triumph, but there was one redeeming feature. East and West were both so shell-shocked that not a word of recrimination was spoken.

w N E S — . No 24 34 No 54 No 64 No No Dble No 6NT Dble All Pass