Hand from the last round robin
Top level bridge has changed over the years in defining what is required for certain bidding actions
For example, the first board of round 13 in the Open where Australia were playing Thailand
Both NV North S 5
H AQ9543
D T43
C 843
West S AKQJT43. East S 4
H 2. H KJ
D A7. D KJ652
C K65 C AJT97
South S 9862
H T876
D Q98
C Q2
Where Joe Haffer was West and Phil Markey was East
The bidding went, 2H (weak) from North, Phil bid 3D (unfortunately on this hand not many play 2NT for minors) and South passed thinking that I might have a diamond trick but nothing else. Joe then checked for key cards in diamonds and reluctantly had to sign off in 6S for 12 easy tricks.
Where Sartaj Hans was North and Andy Hung was South
The bidding started 3H from Sartaj (you should see some of this weak two openings) and East wanted to bid but was cautious as bidding at the 4 level was a little risky (let alone bidding 4NT for the minors and playing at the 5 level) so he took a more traditional stance and passed. Andy looking at two queens bid 4H (figuring it is tough to double without trumps when your side has 10 or 11 trumps and if they have enough high cards to double you for a sizeable penalty, they probably have a slam somewhere). What was more West to do but 4S. East figuring a misfit passed and they played there.
Welcome to 21st century where bridge is a bidders game.
Posted by Chris on Saturday, 9 June 2018 at 13:05