Competing at low levels is a big part of the match point game, and lighter than normal opening bids can help or hinder both sides. South’s opening of 1D third in hand was reasonable enough, and it made life difficult for EW. It should not have but it seems that it did.
Board 21 from Thursday 30/5/19
Dealer N NS Vul
After two passes, South opens 1D. With a passed partner and also vulnerable vs not, such a light third in hand opening can lead to complications, but then again, this is match point bridge. After that, the bidding should be fairly straightforward but seemingly wasn’t at all. West should double rather than overcall 1S. North should now bid 3D, or, if NS are playing “Truscott”, 2NT. East has little enthusiasm for bidding and passes, and South of course also passes, or bids 3D if NS are playing Truscott. Despite the fact that East has been quiet, the West hand is, under the circumstances, worth another bid, and that is DOUBLE, a second takeout double which will elicit, at worst, a bid in a three card major. It should suggest either 4-4 in the majors or five spades and four hearts, but in any case, West can be very happy when partner can bid his heart suit. East bids 3H and that is where the bidding should end, because despite the diamond fit, the vulnerability makes it dangerous for NS to go any further. Thus, 3H by East should be the final contract. Was it? Not at our club it wasn’t. Did any EW pairs play in 3H at your club? And if they did, did they make FOUR? I suspect not, but careful play and a bit of guesswork will result in East making four. You can work out for yourself how and why that should
happen by clicking here.
AJ43
32
AT872
75