Both vul, at IMPs, you hold as south: ♠A85 ♥KJ ♦AJ108 ♣AK64

W      N       E       S

P       P       1♥     Dbl

P       1♠      P       ?

What do you bid?

There were a number of hands that all three pairs could have done better on, to win our semi-final match versus Miles, which we lost by 6 IMPs, and possibly be representing Canada at the Bermuda Bowl, and not Miles.

However this was the last one, and our final undoing. Actually we were leading by 4 IMPs or so, when this penultimate hand was ‘dealt’.

North promises about 0-7 HCPs for his 1♠ bid. There are four reasonable choices two conservative and two aggressive:

1.     1NT – 19-20 HCPs.

2.     2♥ and pass 2♠.

3.     2NT – 21-24 HCPs

4.     2♥, and then bid 3♠ over 2♠.

As you have 20 HCPs so you must take another call. Actually, despite a likely wasted J♥, this hand is MUCH better than its count.

Why?  First, you know where almost all of the high card points are located. Secondly, and more important they are all onside on your right. While entries will be limited in the North hand, the same is true about West. The 3^rd ‘plus’ feature about this hand is your AJ108 suit. The 108 adds a lot to the suit that might have been AJ32.

So not only should you bid again, I am strongly suggesting that you should be aggressive. But is it #3 or #4? The answer can be found in previous columns, and is focused on the heart stopper. You know a heart will be led knocking out your only stopper. Unless you can run 9 tricks you are down in 3NT. Although partner may have only a four card suit spade, suit, #4 is the right approach.

Where one of our pairs were N-S, South rebid 1NT and played it there, making overtricks. The other South bid 2♥, and partner bid 3♠. South raised to four, made five easily, and caused me to abuse my body that night at the bar across the street. The full deal (hands rotated):

Lessons to Learn

1)    With only one stopper tend to double (thus trying to get to a suit contract instead of notrump) versus overcalling 1NT with the right point count.

2)    Although to be avoided, 3NT can still be investigated by asking partner for a stopper, so that you know your side has two of them.

3)    Evaluating hands is an art. Always consider who has the points, and internal solidity. Another factor, but not always reliable, is how good are  the opponents are at defending?

4)    Although easier to be aggressive vul. at teams (payoffs are greater), don’t stop playing bridge!

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