M J Bridge

Bidding

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Hand

A20

Context

S. & S.C.B.A. county league - October 2008

Dealer

East

Methods

Asptro, Landy, Lebensohl

Vulnerability

NS




N

5

9 6 5

Q J 9

A K 9 6 4 3


S

Q 9 7 2

K Q J

A T 4 3

T 7


W

A J 8 6 4

A 8 7 3

K 2

J 2


E

K T 3

T 4 2

8 7 6 5

Q 8 5

Opening 1NT, Asptro, Lebensohl

Most Souths will open 1NT (if playing weak) and most Wests will show their 5-4 shape in the majors by one means or another.  The Asptro bid shown promises at least four hearts and another five-card suit.

North’s is the difficult decision.  If he decides that his hand is worth a stab at game then a direct 3NT is probably the best route.  This direct route will also show the absence of a heart stop.

Otherwise he will bid a Lebensohl 2NT and pass his partner’s forced conversion to 3.


W

N

E

S



-

1NT

2

3NT

-

-

-








Opening 1NT, Landy, Lebensohl

This time 2 by West promises at least 5-4 or 4-5 in the major suits.

North must now be far more wary with his spade weakness, and he chooses the weak route to 3.

W

N

E

S




1NT

2

-

2NT

-

3

-

-

-

Intermediate and above

Evaluation


We were allowed to play in 3, making nine tricks.


3NT by NS, although a perfectly reasonable shot particularly at teams, is a disaster.  EW will take the first two tricks in spades, then when East gets in with a club they will take a further three spades.

3 by West appears to be making eight tricks, but it is difficult to find once North has joined in.

3 will probably make seven tricks if the defence take one spade ruff.


Not much to choose between Asptro and Landy on this deal, although Asptro gives NS the greater chance of getting it wrong.

North’s choice of 3 is better than 3NT on the day, and is probably the better bid at pairs.  I think, though, that I would try for the game at teams.

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