Is it ever correct to put your contract in jeopardy in an attempt to make
an overtrick? At duplicate scoring the
answer is "yes," because small total-point
differences can swing many match (comparison)
points. At other forms of scoring, however,
the answer would be "almost never." The
value of an overtrick is 20 or 30 points,
but the value of a slam is in the thousands,
a game in the hundreds, and a partial far in
excess of the relatively small total
recorded on the scoresheet (because of the
greater chance to win game and rubber).
South fell from grace in today's deal by
taking a small risk in quest of an overtrick,
but we can sympathize with him. Let's see
whether you share our compassion.
Both sides vulnerable East deals
|
West |
North |
East |
South |
|
|
|
Pass |
1 |
|
Pass |
2 |
Pass |
2 |
|
Pass |
3 |
Pass |
3NT |
|
End |
|
|
|
Opening Lead:
5
It s a popular misconception that North's sequence is a signoff. As his 3
rebid must be considered in light of his
initial two-level response, the proper
adjective to describe his two-step approach
is "invitational." With less (remove the
K,
for example), North would start with 1NT,
hoping to show his clubs later. South, with
extra values, fast winners, and a mild club
fit, was right to try 3NT, and the contract
was excellent.
After winning the first diamond, South counted winners and determined that
he needed six club tricks, not all seven, to
make 3NT. He devised a sound plan: he would
lead a club, and if West followed, he would
play low from dummy. If East showed out, a
later finesse would bring in six tricks,
while if East followed, the ace and king
would take care of the rest of the suit.
But even the best-conceived plans can go astray. When declarer led the
first club towards dummy, West played the
queen! This play hypnotised South and caused
him to forget his carefully crafted strategy.
In the belief that he could now record an
overtrick with no risk, South captured
West's queen with the king. When East showed
out, declarer's jaw fell, and so did his
contract, because dummy's clubs perished for
lack of an entry.
"Who was that masked man?" thought declarer, with pain in his heart.