Slams 13
This slam and the results at X-Clubs tells me that our present day players are somewhat lacking in their communication skills. It also tells me that bidding slams is not necessary for a good result, just being in the best denomination at game level and being able to execute the declarer play will get you over 75%, at least it did for the two pairs who played in 4H and made six. Bidding is about talking to partner and being aware of what both partners need to know, not just set rules about bidding suits and 4-4 fits. Let’s take a look at Board 11 and the NS thought processes.
Board 11 from Friday 9/05/2025
Dealer S Nil Vul
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K2
AQJ9
QJ743
A8South opens 1S. North bids 2D. South thinks: “I could now show my clubs, but does that really describe my hand? Won’t partner expect a bit more, say a 16 count and something more in clubs? If I rebid a conservative but realistic 2S there is little chance of partner passing unless partner sees we have a misfit and has bid 2D with an absolute minimum, in which case 2S is our limit. So, 2S it is.”
North thinks: “This is looking good, shame partner doesn’t have four hearts or we’d really be in business. I can now bid 3H which is of course forcing to game, and partner should know that my hearts are reasonable or I might have bid 3NT or even 3C now to elicit more information”.
Over to South now, who thinks: “partner has four hearts but they must be good ones for her to mention them. I could bid 3NT, partner is sure to have an honour there, but even Kx will be more useful in a heart contract, and I do have a good albeit only three card, heart suit. If I raise to 4H and partner has doubts, my 4H bid doesn’t preclude partner from finally turning to my suit with something like Kx or even K10 in spades.”
North: “That sounds great to me! I know we have only a 4-3 heart fit but my SK is a great card and my CA is huge. Should I do Roman Key Card now or just settle for a very conservative 4H, knowing that most pairs will be in 3NT, or possibly 6NT, but what are our chances in 6H? OK, let’s ask”. North then asks for key cards and South owns up to three key cards, which are obviously the two aces and king of hearts. North now quite happily bids 6H.
Unfortunately two Norths who did just that didn't count their tricks and failed by one. Deep Finesse could make seven! And of the pairs who did bid 6NT, some were lucky and did not get a club lead. But nothing would have beaten 6H making with an overtrick. The play in 6H will be reviewed in Slams 14.
