MARCH GUESSES . . .
PROBLEM A: 2
.
They have a spade fit, so going low with 2
then jumping in diamonds could work.
I think this is a difficult problem (more so than the IAC seems to think) and I expect to see many different answers.
PROBLEM B: 3
.
This is the sexy MSC bid. Giving us our only shot at the only game I think we can make—3NT. The question is, will enough of the Bridge World MSC panel agree? Too flat and too little help to make 5
. So I see little value in raising clubs to either 4
or 5
. (Probably.) But partner is jump-rebidding 3
without the
KQT. What else could 3
be but a grope for 3NT?
PROBLEM C: 3
.
My first instinct was 2NT. With Jack-fourth in clubs this is a unanimous 3
. This hand, although only 11 HCP, is one I would open in first seat, a metric I have mentioned previously in determining whether I game-force on close calls. Zia will concur, which is good enough for me. 13.6 K&R.
PROBLEM D: 4NT.
I certainly have the values for this. Maybe partner can suggest another strain.
PROBLEM E: 2
.
I can see the viability of 2
, but a simple 2
can’t be too far wrong. Can it?
PROBLEM F: Pass
What did my first double show? Roughly this hand? Roughly these values? Partner knows this, right? But he did not double. So I pass and hope we defend well.
PROBLEM G: Double
I so much want to bid 6
. Partner needs so little for the slam to be good, and that's exactly what he has promised. But they need to be the right cards and there is no guaranteed of that. Although 3
is forcing, I do not see much possibility in a
slam, so concentrate on
or penalty.
PROBLEM H:
K.
Not sure which color. Help accepted. Pick: This
color --- or --- this
color? First guess was the
. I stayed the course.
Have I mentioned that I hate lead problems?
SOLUTIONS FOR:
Todd Holes
460 Raintree CT Unit # 1R
Glen Ellyn IL 60137
U.S.A.
PROBLEM A: 2 Spades
PROBLEM B: 3 Diamonds
PROBLEM C: 3 Clubs
PROBLEM D: 4 Notrump
PROBLEM E: 2 Spades
PROBLEM F: Pass
PROBLEM G: Double
PROBLEM H: Diamond King