February 2022 Contest
Problem A 4
Too many holes to think of slam. No dilly-dallying with 2♦ or giving info to opps with 4♣. I want to play in 4♠ and that is it.
Problem B 2
Every bid looks bad.
Choices:
1NT: I cannot stand the thought of partner’s stare when I lose 5 diamond tricks even before I start.
Pass: I cannot stand the thought of partner’s stare when I pass.
2♥: No way Josay! Reverse overbid by 4 points.
2♠: Would partner pretend to look delighted when he had this? ♠ Axxx, ♥xx, ♦ xxx, ♣ KJxx
Least of evils 2♣.
Problem C double Partner passed for penalties. Double tells partner that my first double was a strong take-out double. Hoping for +800
Problem D 5
I am expecting partner to have 1 or at the most 2 spades. Likely 1363 and ♠x, ♥ Kxx ♦AKJxxx, ♣Axx would be about seem to be about minimum. Here both 5♦ and 3N would be lucky to make and we would expect to get 5 tricks in defence only on a good day. Nevertheless, partner could be better so I will be bold and go for 5♦
Problem E 2NT
Statistically partner is most likely to have a weak 1 no trump and won’t protect if I pass and in fact legally cannot protect if I pass slowly. So I have to hope that partner has something in spades and I will bid 2NT.
Problem F 1
Wait to hear of developments. Perhaps walk the dog.
Problem G 4
We have 27-29HCP and we need partner to have 3 aces for slam. Optimistically ♠ xxx, ♥ AQx, ♦AQxxx, ♣Ax where we ruff 2♠ with ♦J9. This looks just a bit too much to hope for so I will go for 4♥ to play 4-3 fit.
Problem H A
I think I see 4 defensive tricks; so I will take a peek at dummy and hopefully see where partner might add a couple more.