M J Bridge

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N

7 5 3 2

A K Q 8 6

Q 4 2

2


S

A 6

J 9 4 2

A K J 8 7 3

Q


W

8 4

T 3

6 5

A J 9 7 5 4 3


E

K Q J T 9

7 5

T 9

K T 8 6

Hand

D3

Context

Newcastle-u-Lyme b.c. - Handicap pairs - Dec 2016

Dealer

West

Methods

Weak single-suited, overcall at the three-level, level of fit

Vulnerability

NS



Weak single-suited, level of fit

When North passes East makes an immediate raise to the level of the fit.

South refuses to be shut out, and East bids one more for not vulnerable against vulnerable.

South finally doubles, on principle.

W

N

E

S

3

-

5

5

-

-

6♣

x

-

-

-


Post-beginner and above

Weak single-suited, natural suit overcall, level of fit.

If North chooses to overcall then East should still raise to the level of the fit.

South now has an easy raise to 5 and East may or may not bid again, risking the possibility of pushing NS into a making slam.

W

N

E

S

3

3

5

5

6

-

6

-

-

-



What happens?


As it happens NS can make twelve tricks in either red suit for a score of 1370 or 1430.

6x by West is always making 8 tricks for a loss of 800.

For me the North hand is not quite good enough for an overcall at this level - I like to save such bids for better then basic opening hands - but it is the winning option on the day.

Whether or not East should push to 6 is another matter.  In principle it is a good save against the slam but not against a game. Furthermore, the slam might not be bid or this might help them to find it.

On the day I went four down in 6x for a loss of 1100 whilst 5 made 12 tricks at the other table for 650.

Weak single-suited, natural suit overcall, fit-jump

If North overcalls and East fails to put the pressure on then South has the opportunity to show strength.

If 4 is played as forcing or 5 is played as a fit-jump then the slam is easy.

Alternatively South can force in the opponents’ suit, when once again the slam might be found.

W

N

E

S

3

3

-

4

-

-

x

-

-

-



Hand D2

Hand D4