What & Why (18)

Here is the full deal that brought about our previous questions and answers. There can be, of course, no ‘correct’ answer every time a bidding or play problem arises; otherwise the game wouldn’t be much fun. But maybe we can all learn something each time we are faced with a problem - if not at the table then in retrospect. These are the full hands as they were when this deal came up some time ago in teams play.

Dealer E NS Vul

	AJ87 732 QJ KJ65
6542 98 A8 87432		Q3 KJT654 T743 A
	KT9 AQ K9652 QT9

The pairs that ended up in 4S did not all make, though you would think that with normal defence declarer would make easily enough. Normal defence being, with North declarer: club ace, diamond to ace, club ruff, end of story, but many declarers in 4S then drew all the trumps and later lost a diamond, or somehow had communication problems. But you will agree that 4S is a pretty good spot given that East has opened 2H. Just how NS should get to 4S rather than 3NT is not obvious, unless South doubled the opening heart bid (some Easts might have upgraded their hand, given that it is too good for a green vs red weak two, and opened 1H), and North bid 4S in the belief that South would have four spades. Much better than any scientific stuff! I would have bid 4S if my partner doubled hearts! But let’s say South is in 3NT, a contract that could well make or fail depending on the declarer play.

The opening lead will always be the nine of hearts. Declarer should immediately be able to see that if the minor suit aces are both with East the contract is unlikely to make if declarer needs both minor suits to provide enough tricks. Unless declarer can make four spade tricks. To make four spade tricks, the best play must surely be to finesse against West’s possible queen. But to finesse, and lose, at an early stage will allow the defence to clear the hearts, so declarer should look for tricks in the minors. The clubs are sure to provide three tricks, the diamonds not so certain for three tricks. But against that, if the diamonds end up providing FOUR tricks then there are possible overtricks if playing on diamonds has removed the one entry to East’s hearts. It therefore seems reasonable to begin by playing on diamonds rather than clubs. If East has the ace of diamonds and West the ace of clubs then even if the diamonds don’t break, declarer will still be able to set up a third diamond trick even if West has four to the ten.

The basic rules for playing No Trumps are to a) play on your longest suit to develop tricks, b) play on your next longest and strongest suit. c) look ahead! That last rule is often ignored. More in the next issue. Is there a ‘best way’ to play this 3NT now that you see all the hands in retrospect? You can replay this board by clicking here.