bridge

July 28, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

bridge

Neither vulnerable. East deals.

NORTH

xK 10 9 4

uA K 9 8 2

v10

wA K 8

WESTEAST

xJ 8 7 6 3 2x5

u7 3uQ J

v9 2vJ 8 7 6 5 4

wJ 6 2w10 7 4 3

SOUTH

xA Q

u10 6 5 4

vA K Q 3

wQ 9 5

The bidding:

EASTSOUTHWESTNORTH

3v3NTPass4w

Pass4NTPass5v

Pass6NTPass7NT

PassPassPass

Opening lead: Nine of v

We have previously written that we are not yet convinced about the efficacy of the super-weak pre-emptive bidding now in style. This deal from 2009 Cavendish Invitational strengthens our belief. At most tables North-South reached either a small or grand slam in hearts against silent opposition. When West dropped the jack or queen of hearts under the king, they took the percentage play of returning to hand to take a finesse for the other heart honor and were held to 12 tricks. At one table East elected to open three diamonds to prove he knew who had dealt. Here North-South never mentioned hearts. South bid three no trump, North inquired about South’s hand and South did not feel it necessary to bid his hearts. North drove to the no-trump grand slam. Declarer, Polish internationalist Jacek Pszczola, now a U.S. resident and known for obvious reasons as Pepsi, won the opening diamond lead in hand. He cashed another diamond, West following, and continued with a heart to the ace, East dropping the queen. Declarer continued by taking three tricks in each black suit. He now knew West had started with six spades, at least three clubs and two diamonds, and therefore could not hold three hearts. He cashed the king of hearts and was delighted to claim 13 tricks!

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