Bridge
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.What range do you use for an opening bid of 2NT? The classic range is 20-22 points but, especially if Benjamin Twos are in use (Two Clubs and Two Diamonds being artificial bids with no-trump rebids in reverse) some players prefer 19-21. I am not of their number but I have to admit that it worked well on this deal from a recent match - as a pre-emptive bid at unfavourable vulnerability!
At one table, East duly opened 2NT and, although everyone gave the matter some thought, this ended the auction. South made his natural lead of a low spade and, after knocking out #A, East soon had his eight tricks.
At the other table, East was constrained to open 1#. This gave the opponents their chance: South overcalled with 14, West raised to 2#, and North bounced to 44. Although 5# would have proved a cheap save, East decided to double.
West led #10 and South timed matters well when he did not ruff his losing diamond immediately but led !Q. West's two suggested a two-card holding and East did his best by ducking. Another heart went to the 8,9 and ace and East forced dummy to ruff by leading a diamond.
After ruffing with dummy's 49, declarer continued with 4J. East ducked and this won the trick. It would have been folly to lead another trump at this point for East would take his ace and kill dummy with a return of 4Q. Instead, South used dummy's long hearts as a way to pick up the trumps. As and when East decided to ruff with 4Q, declarer could over- ruff and so remained in complete control, adding 590 points to the 120 collected by his team-mates.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments