bridge

bridge

Both vulnerable. East deals.

NORTH

xA J 7 5

uVoid

vA Q 4

wA K Q J 10 2

WEST EAST

xQ 6 x10 2

uJ 3 uA K 9 7 5 4

vK 10 9 8 7 2 vJ 3

w9 8 7 w6 5 4

SOUTH

xK 9 8 4 3

uQ 10 8 6 2

v6 5

w3

The bidding:

EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH

2u Pass Pass Dbl

Pass Pass Pass

Opening lead: Ten of v

We have seen some strange goings-on at the bridge table, but you will have to go a long way to equal what transpired on this deal from the Trials to select an American team for the World Championship. North-South were playing weak two-bids, and there can be no disputing that East’s hand was weak! Indeed, it could not possibly have worse distribution. We can ignore the play. Suffice it to say that South scraped together four tricks for -1,100 points.

This was the auction at the other table:

EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH

2vPass Pass Dbl

Pass 2x Pass 4NT

Pass 5v Pass 6x

Pass Pass Pass

Opening lead: Jack of u

Here, the two diamonds was a ’Multi’, showing a weak two in an undisclosed major. North-South reached six spades in short order and made all 13 tricks for a score of 1,460 points, a net gain if 8 IMPs.

Does this mean that the Multi is superior to the old-fashioned weak two-bid? We are awaiting further research.

A merry Christmas and happy holiday season to all our readers!

2011 Tribune Media Services