Problem A: 3NT I have had some of Hoki's concerns about 3NT and had just about pulled the trigger on 4
, when I took a moment to construct a minimum where partner might have bid as they have in the problem: ♠ x ♥ QJxxx ♦ KTx ♣ AKQx. I think partner could have a bit more, but I think KT8x should be sufficient to tie up the spades long enough to scramble nine tricks.
Problem B 2
It is tempting to splinter on this, but the purpose of a splinter is to show fit (check) and highlight the side suits (no check). There is one side-suit that is also of splinter length. So I will show partner where I live before I show the fit.
Problem C 4
Really torn on this one, more because of the options not available. If partner had started with one heart, I would have had the impossible spade to show the big club fit. Now I only seem to have various levels of club raises, and how high is largely a guess. I have wonderful controls, but limited values, and a lot of clubs. I have no presumption that 4
is forcing, but it should be invitational
Problem D Double I have roughly invitational values and not so distributional that I could not bear to hear partner pass. But the real point is that partner could have four spades, two hearts or a willingness to play in 3NT if balanced. At matchpoints I feel we need to compete here.
Problem E 3
I with Hoki, in that I am not certain that I want push the opponent's into game. The advantage of 3
is that it helps partner with the lead if they play in the presumed heart contract and it hasn't necessarily given up on spades. I guess what I am saying is that it is a more flexible bid, with distinct immediate advantages.
Problem F 3
Torn between going low with 3
amd high with a Western cue. At IMPs not-vulnerable, I will aim low and hope the Panel is not hungry for a game.
Problem G Double I can always leap about in diamonds later, but we may have a heart fit. And knowledge of the double fit may be critical before the end.
Problem H
A This is such a terrible lot to lead from, I can only think about the invitation via clubs (btw my best suit), so the key may be to find out and knockout the side entry. So I am leading the spade ace to look at dummy and figure out what to attack next.
SOLUTIONS FOR:
James Creech
Fredericksburg VA 22407
U.S.A.
PROBLEM A: 3 Notrump
PROBLEM B: 2 Diamonds
PROBLEM C: 4 Clubs
PROBLEM D: Double
PROBLEM E: 3 Clubs
PROBLEM F: 3 Diamonds
PROBLEM G: Double
PROBLEM H: Spade Ace