Hand (i) | Hand(ii) | Hand(iii) |
♠ - ♥ J 9 7 ♦ A K 6 4 3 2 ♣ 9 6 3 2 |
♠ 4 3 ♥ 7 5 ♦ A Q J 7 4 3 2 ♣ 7 3 |
♠ J 9 ♥ - ♦ A K 6 4 3 2 ♣ K J 9 8 |
(i) Pass. The spade void is not notrumpy, but it is partner’s suit. Turning to hearts, give partner as little as ♥ xxx and you would rather play 3 NT (four heart losers on a 4-3 split) than 5 ♦ (three losers and down you go). See deal.
(ii) Pass. Without a singleton, to even think of 5 ♦ would be misguided. The diamonds should run nicely in notrumps.
(iii) 5 ♦. Because of the side-suit void, and the “slow” minor-suit holdings. Top cards will need to be dislodged and you may not have time in 3 NT after, say, partner’s one heart stop has been dislodged.
North Deals N-S Vul |
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West | North | East | South |
1 ♠ | Pass | 2 ♦ | |
Pass | 3 NT1 | Pass | 5 ♦2 |
Pass | Pass | Pass |
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5 ♦ was quickly down. West led ♥ K, continued with ♥ Q, then led ♥ 4 to East’s ♥ A. East led his thirteenth heart, and when West ruffed with ♦ 9, forcing dummy to overtrump with ♦ Q, East’s ♦ J104 was promoted into a trump trick. Down two.
West | North | East | South |
1 ♠ | Pass | 2 ♦ | |
Pass | 3 N | Pass | Pass |
Pass |
The defence can take the first four heart tricks against North’s 3 NT, but that’s it (diamonds run - starting with ♦ Q). Game made.
If you remember just one thing...
Try to avoid Five-of-Minor.