Hand 50 — Opponents bid helps to plan our strategy
Play this handThe Deal
North
♠
A J 7 4 2
♥
K 7
♦
K J 4 3
♣
7 6
West
♠
K Q
♥
Q 10 8 5
♦
Q 9 7 2
♣
A 8 3
East
♠
10 9 5 3
♥
9 4
♦
8 5
♣
Q 9 5 4 2
South
♠
8 6
♥
A J 6 3 2
♦
A 10 6
♣
K J 10
North: 12 HCP, 5-2-4-2
East: 2 HCP, 4-2-2-5
South: 13 HCP, 2-5-3-3 (bal)
West: 13 HCP, 2-4-4-3 (bal)
Bidding Sequence
| W | N | E | S |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1D | 1S | Pass | 3H |
| Pass | 3S | Pass | 3NT |
| Pass | Pass | Pass |
Final Comments
In a no-trump hand we count our winners.
But before that, West opened, so should have 13+ points
We have 25 between us, which leaves 2 points for east.
Guess which way we are going to craft any finesses.
But I digress.
So,
2 spades (maybe 3)
2 hearts
3 diamonds
1 club
That makes 8 tricks, not enough for our contract.
Our best plan is to work the spades. Finess twice, and play on until opponents run out. Then the last spade is our 9th trick.
However, whatever west leads will give us a free finesse.
Planning
With a good 5 card major, it is worthwhile to overcall an opponent at the 1 level with 11 or 12 points.