Big Slam Magazine - Flipbook - Page 76
Match 6
WEST
Match 7
NORTH
EAST
SOUTH
3}
no
?
3NT is pretty clear here. It takes an unlikely heart
lead to shoot it. If you choose 3] instead, it's normal to agree that partner's only choice are to
raise or bid 3NT. Having said that, 5} is cold,
while 3NT/N has no play on a heart lead.
WEST
NORTH
EAST
SOUTH
2] clubs
X
no
3]
no
1{
no
3NT
1]
no
end
Should West sit 3NT? Maybe, though it turns out
that 4[ is a make. (5{ only makes if you hook
twice in diamonds. Unlikely.)
In fact 3NT sometimes made on a spade lead.
Did South duck a club? If so, declarer might play
two hearts, decide they are not breaking, then run
the }J for nine tricks. Or were spades blocked??
Match 8
Many reached 4[ here and most made it. East
overcalls 2{ then leads the ]K.
Spades can wait, so West should overtake to
lead the {Q, Three rounds of clubs turn East's
[Q-9 into the setting trick, because dummy has
to ruff the third club high.
WEST
no
X
NORTH
no
no
EAST
strong
1{
3NT !
SOUTH
3[
end
As East I thought it was the time to try 3NT on Qx,
like the experts do. When the first trick went
[A-5-3-9, I thought I was in with a show but Stephen Mendick cashed out for four off.