Slams 04
Before we look at our double dummy problem let’s take another look at the bidding.
Board 9 from Thursday 12-09-24
Dealer N EW Vul
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East opens 1H and West bids 1S. First question: what does East rebid?
I don’t agree with those who would bid 3D intending to PASS if West bids 3H. That leaves too much to guesswork and is no way to talk to partner! How would West show an interest in slam, or if marginally interested in game, be able to bid the right one (which is, admittedly, easy given West’s actual hand). I believe that to game force (yes, by bidding 3D) East should have a better heart suit and then the slam would inevitably be bid, as it was in some cases, down one of course. But let’s say that West is aware of East’s poor quality heart suit (say East has rebid 1NT) and decided to bid the slam in No Trumps and East is declarer in 6NT and South leads a low spade. The play, whether by Deep Finesse or a mere human who has a good understanding of declarer play and squeezes, should be automatic. Win the spade in hand and cash the other one, expecting five spade tricks. No such luck, so declarer now knows he must find the ace of hearts with South and leads a heart. It does not matter whether South rises with the ace or not, North’s queen as well as the queen of diamonds and jack of clubs, are now both subject to a simple squeeze.
Thank you those readers who sent in their answers, well done Jonathan who has been awarded a Lotto Powerball ticket that will, I hope, win him at least a few thousand.