November 2024 - 41

to 3h. East correctly passed this,
matching the judgment of the other
pair.
Bridge Bulletin auction: 1c-1h;
2h-2NT; 3h-Pass. This is the same
auction as the first pair, but in this
case 2NT is a simple, natural game
invitation. With a low doubleton,
West should prefer to play in the suit.
Scores: 2h 11; 3h 6; 1NT 5; 2NT 3;
4h 2
Mann-Sjødal 36;
Pinkowski-Hristea 27
Problem 8
West deals. Both vulnerable.
West
East
s A 9 3
h A 10 7 4 3
d A K 10
c A 10
Mann
1h
3d
4s
5d
Pass
After West opened 1h, East
responded 2NT. This is commonly
played in Europe as showing a fourcard
raise, invitational to game or
better. West bid 3d, by agreement
showing extra values and denying
any shortness. East next bid 4h,
attempting to sign off with the minimal
hand. West next showed a spade
control. East showed a control in
clubs, and West showed the same in
diamonds. East decided to sign off
over this, which West passed. It's
not completely clear who didn't bid
enough, perhaps being a matter of
partnership style.
Pinkowski Hristea
1h
2NT
4s
5c
6h
2c
4h
4NT
5h
Pass
November 2024 | Bridge Bulletin |
41
s 8 6
h K 9 8 5 2
d 8 6
c K Q J 3
Sjødal
2NT
4h
5c
5h
After the 1h opening, East made
a creative call of 2c. This is forcing
to game, but East decided the big
heart fit justified that evaluation.
West rebid a natural 2NT, and with
a complete minimum, East tried
to sign off in 4h, but West had a
very strong hand and was not to be
denied. He bid 4s, asking partner
about key cards for hearts. East bid
4NT, showing one or four, accounting
for the key card West was missing.
West next bid 5c, asking for the hQ.
East next made a mistake by bidding
5h, denying the queen: There
is enough trump length that East
should know the queen isn't needed.
He should therefore pretend he has it.
Nonetheless, expecting only a heart
loser, West raised to 6h, reaching an
acceptable contract.
Bridge Bulletin auction: 1h-3h;
3s-4c; 4d-4NT; 5d-5NT;
6d-7h; Pass. The key to this hand
is letting East take control, because
that is the player with the source of
tricks. Over 6d, East can count 12
sure tricks, and only needs one ruff
in either hand to reach 13.
Scores: 7h 11; 6h 7; 6NT 5; 5h 3
Final score: Mann-Sjødal 39;
Pinkowski-Hristea 34 2
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November 2024

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