Hand--RR2

Things are not always as they seem to be.

By Harvey Bernstein

Here is an interesting hand (#27) from Thursday afternoon's pair games.  The seats have been reversed for easier description--south always gets the good hands!

Neither side vulnerable.  

North deals.

                              NORTH                         

                              S: Void 

                              H: Q 8 2

                              D: K Q 10 6 5 2   

                              C: K Q J 5  

                              SOUTH

                              S: A K 6 5            

                              H: A 3             

                              D: J 7 3      

                              C: A 8 7 4 

The Bidding:        

                 NORTH    EAST    SOUTH    WEST                   

                  1D       2D      3NT   (All Pass)

Opening Lead: Heart Seven

      This hand was played at the Rock And Roll Regional Bridge Tournament at Independence, Ohio.  When asked, West told the opponents that 2D was a "Michael's Cue Bid" showing the majors. The opening lead went to the

2, 10, and ace.  Before reading any further, plan the play. 

  Here is the full deal:

                              NORTH                         

                              S: Void 

                              H: Q 8 2

                              D: K Q 10 6 5 2   

                              C: K Q J 5  

            WEST                             East     

            S: 9 7 3 2                       S: Q J 10 8 4     

            H: K J 9 7                       H: 10 6 5 4             

            D: A 8 4                         D: 9

            C: 9 2                           C: 10 6 3

                              SOUTH

                              S: A K 6 5            

                              H: A 3             

                              D: J 7 3      

                              C: A 8 7 4

      As you can see, there are many different thoughts on what constitutes a "Michael's Cue Bid".  The declarer was able to count seven tricks after winning the ace of hearts.  The only way to come to nine was to knock out the ace of diamonds.  The problem, of course, was that the declarer assumed that East held the king of hearts for her bid.  In fact, it seemed

to be that East held KJTXX of hearts and QJTXX of spades. The hope was that the cue bidder also held the ace of diamonds. South led the jack of diamonds and everyone ducked.

    With no other possibility, the three of diamonds was led to the king. West followed low and East discarded a small club.

    Why didn't West take the ace and shoot a heart through the dummy?  What is going on?  Oh well, declarer can now count nine tricks and rather than give West another chance, he cashed four clubs and two spades, making three no 

trump.  The defense took the last four tricks.  

    The match point result was a ZERO as most declarers made five or even six no trump.  Had declarer had any doubt about the placement of the king of hearts the play would have been much easier. Play the queen of hearts at trick one and knock out the ace of diamonds. Making six for a tie for top board.  

    Here is another thought.  When East bids two diamonds, which is forcing, should South pass and allow the opponents to find their fit?  West will bid two hearts and North should then bid three diamonds. East might pass and South may have a chance to get to the ice-cold diamond slam. Do you see how to make it?

    No one ever said this game was easy.

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