Source: NABC Phoenix ACBL Bulletins
Dealer South, N/S Vul
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West | North | East | South |
1![]() |
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1![]() |
Dbl | 3![]() |
4![]() |
All Pass | |||
Opening lead: K
Opening lead: K (king from ace-king in supported suits). The bidding can go several different ways after South’s 4
bid. West might be tempted to bid 4
, which looks like a reasonable sacrifice against 4
– if 4
can be made. But guess what, it can’t!
On the other hand, if West does bid 4
, it might provoke East-West to bid 5
which is down two!
![](http://csbnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/s.gif)
![](http://csbnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/h.gif)
North’s double is negative, showing at least four hearts with 8+ HCP but is unlimited when holding four hearts. South assumes the minimum count for the time being. East’s jump to 3
is preemptive. With cuebids available to show stronger supporting hands, jump raises are considered weak and preemptive. Important.
![](http://csbnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/s.gif)
West leads the
K and East signals with the queen to show the jack. It is a neat signal, allowing partner to safely underlead the ace if necessary. On this deal, it is necessary.
![](http://csbnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/s.gif)
West shifts to his singleton diamond and, when in with the
A, underleads the
A to partner’s jack to get a diamond ruff.
![](http://csbnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/h.gif)
![](http://csbnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/s.gif)
If East wishes to continue this session with his partner he had better return a diamond! With something like
Q 9 x x, East should play the 9, attitude showing the queen, making the underlead a piece of cake.
![](http://csbnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/s.gif)