The Security of the 4-3 Fit

Bridge is a game with thousands of unusual situations. Being aware of these situations is called “Technique”. One point of technique is that a 4-3 fit is often right at the one- and two-level, more so than at a higher level. Another is that at the same level, notrumps is more difficult than a suit contract.

In a teams event you hold AQJ, KJ4, 1098, J962, vulnerable versus non vulnerable. You open 1 in second seat, and LHO jumps to 2. Partner doubles, and RHO passes. You consider passing, but decide on your other choice, 2NT:
East deals, NS vul

10 9 8 6 3
9 3
A Q J 7
Q 7

7 5 4                                   K 2
A Q 8 7 5 2                          10 6
3 2                                      K 6 5 4
K 4                                     A 10 8 5 3

A Q J
K J 4
10 9 8
J 9 6 2
 

West leads a heart, and East returns a heart when in with K. You lose eight tricks for -300. In the discussion after the score-up, one of your teammates listens to the bidding, then looks at your hand and says “2”.

Yes, that would have been a far better choice than 2NT. How do players in their twenties know these things?

South’s fifth spade was a bonus, but the double of 2 guaranteed at least four spades, and the 4-3 spade fit would still have been much better than 2NT.

Two months later I held A54, K73, KQ2, 9852 and the bidding proceeded

West   North   East South
Pass     Pass     2   Pass
Pass     Dbl      Pass   ?

Partner is a near certainty to hold four spades, and 2NT may not play well opposite a hand that couldn’t open the bidding. So, in light of the previous experience, 2 was an easy choice:

 West deals, EW vul

K 10 8 7
J 6
10 9 6 4
A K 3

J 9 6 3                               Q 2
Q 5                                   A 10 9 8 4 2
J 7 3                                 A 8 5
Q J 7 4                              10 6

A 5 4
K 7 3
K Q 2
9 8 5 2
 

2 played nicely, and scored +140, though perfect defence could have held it to eight tricks. On the other hand, 2NT would have had no chance. Q lead would have set up five heart tricks, plus A, for down one.

There must be many times in the past when you have looked for a minor suit fit at the three-level, or battled it out in 2NT. In future keep in mind 2, knowing the contract is going to be played in a 4-3 (Moysian) fit.
Paul Lavings
Paul Lavings Bridge Books & Supplies

MAS DEL MISMO AUTOR

Lavazza Wins Naresh Tandan Trophy

Lavazza represented by Zia Mahmood, Norberto Bocchi, Giorgio Duboin and Dennis Bilde defeated Russia.

Elimination Play I by Frank Groome

There are two main methods of extracting an extra trick in a borderline contract.

Counting the Opponents’ Distribution by Patrick Jourdain

Bridge is a game of deduction, judgment and memory. Memory improves with practice, judgment improves if you learn from experience. But deduction is

Casos por Aces: Minorwood by Bill Jacobs

Classic Blackwood and RKCB both have merits for major suit and NT slam auctions, but have the disadvantage of ...

Bridge & Humor: Heard at the Bridge Table

This is a true story that concerns a player...

Franck Riehm elected as WBF President

The World Bridge Federation is pleased to announce the...

1st South American Online Mixed Teams Championship

All players belonging to any NBO affiliated to the WBF are welcome!

I Brazilian Online Bridge Festival 2020

Some of the best players in the world are Brazilians, and some of the most enthusiastic players too! Our Brazilian Online Festival has appeal to players of all levels. Your team will play in a friendly but competitive atmosphere, with very well-organized scoring and experienced Directors to ensure a pleasant experience for all.

WBF Robot Tournaments

Come and join the competition through our Providers, BBO, Funbridge and Ourgame, all offering you this great opportunity – we look forward to some challenging tournaments!”

The Endplay

An endplay (also throw-in), in bridge, is a tactical play where a defender is put on lead at a strategic moment, and then has to make a play that loses one or more tricks.

The Scissors Coup by John Brown

Scissors coup (or, Scissor coup, ) is a type of coup in bridge, so named because it cuts communications between defenders.

World Bridge Federation – Youth

The Championship is open to all players born on or after 1st January 1992 (Juniors & Girls) or born on or after 1st January 1997 (Youngsters) or born on or after 1st January 2002 (Kids) in good standing with their own NBOs.

Prevent a Ruff by Jon Brown

West led his singleton club, which dummy's king won. South read the lead as a singleton.

RELACIONADOS

CATEGORIAS POPULARES

Previous article
Next article