Geir Helgemo Discusses 1NT Redoubled By Jason Feldman

Source: bridgewinnerschby Jason Feldman July 25, 2012

Jason Feldman
Jason Feldman

It is not often that 26 IMPs swing on a 1-level contract. Geir Helgemo, one of the world’s best declarers, talks about his favorite hand of the 2012 Spingold, where he turned -1000 into +760 in 1NT redoubled.

Helgemo actually thought that redouble of 1NT was takeout.  His partner, Tor Helness, believed he already showed his hand by passing 1 and thought the redouble was business. Either way, there they were in 1NT redoubled on Board 58 of the 2012 Spingold Final in a tight match.

1NT is often one of the most difficult contracts to defend in bridge, and this hand is a perfect example. First, Bobby Levin had a difficult problem at trick one. Should he win the A or duck to keep communication? He elected to duck, and not play partner for specifically Q10 doubleton.

Helgemo, with one trick in the bag decided to eschew the straight forward line of playing for hearts 3-3 with the queen onside. Instead he opted for the deceptive play of attacking his weakest suit and led a diamond off dummy to his concealed 108.

Should Levin split his honors? It seems that it is probably right, as declarer is most likely 3424 (and even with K10x declarer might play the 10 anyway). Here, if he played the J it would have won, and greatly clarified the position for the defense. Levin played the 9, declarer the 10 and North K to continue with the 10 .

Then, what order should Levin cash the spades? He initially played J, A, and his partner pitched the informative J. Should he play 3 or 7 first? 7-3 would tend to indicate diamonds and 3-7 clubs.

On the 7 Weinstein pitched 8. This commits the defense to cashing out now. Was this the right discard?

Levin, who appeared concerned that he was squeezing his partner, did not cash the last spade and shifted to the 3, playing his partner for KJ10(x) and something like J8xx. This appears misguided as Weinstein would probably pitch a diamond if he didn’t have another honor in diamonds.

Helgemo was now in full control and took the heart finesse, cashed a high heart and promptly claimed.

MAS DEL MISMO AUTOR

2014 IBPA Awards: The Master Point Press Book of the Year

This year it corresponded to: The Art of Declarer Play by Tim Bourke & Justin Corfield

Ostende 2013: 6th European Open Bridge Championships

Open Pairs: Roy Welland & Sabine Auken are the new European Champions. Catherine D’Ovidio and Janice Seamon-Molson won the Women event and Nicholas Fitzgibbon & Adam Mesbur were first in the senior.

Sanya 2014: The Rule of 20 Seconds

Babin explains in less than two minutes the new Rule of 20 seconds, to help the Directors of the events that are played with screen, to...

Interview with Rodrigo and Giuseppe, two new World Champions

Rodrigo and Giuseppe played in the "Zlatan" team with two other pairs from Sweden and were crowned as World Champions. Bravo, Bravisimo!

2014 NEC: A Russian Slam Slams in Yokohama

Russia the 2013 NEC winner...is looking for a second chance

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