Easy Slams for the Asking
I wonder why slam bidding is so poor in every session of bridge that I have looked at lately.
Board 23 from Thursday 18/07/2010
Dealer S All Vul
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QJ32
432
Q9876
9Possibly it is computer-dealt hands: in every session there are bound to be at least two or three slams that should be bid. In this session there were at least four that could, and should, have been bid and made. This one should have been the easiest. That is because anyone who understands a REVERSE will bid the 6NT slam easily, and not only that, will be looking for more. And even those who do not understand the reverse should easily recognise, as East, from the moment West opens the bidding, that a small slam at least is possible, simply by counting the tricks.
However the bidding may go, if East asks for aces, or key cards, East will find West with three aces and one king, which adds up to twelve tricks in No Trumps or clubs. But let me suggest the proper way to bid these hands. West opens 1H, East bids 2C, and West bids 2S. This is a REVERSE and shows at least 16 HCP which will immediately reinforce East’s thoughts of a slam ... possibly a grand slam. All East has to do now is to ask for aces and, when all the aces are accounted for, then ask for kings, which tells West that East is looking for a grand slam. West shows one king only and East should then be satisfied with 6NT, being able to count twelve tricks (assuming seven club tricks - when was the last time such a suit did not produce seven tricks?!). Replay this board by clicking here.
I suspect too many people have been fixated on point count rather than counting tricks, which possibly explains why so few pairs bid any slams at all. The other slams available are also worth taking a look at if you were one of the pairs playing in this session. I am happy to answer any questions about bidding them if you care to drop me a line, villyn@xtra.co.nz
