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Ask the Expert
Matchpoints, both sides vulnerable, you are North with A64 QJ102 10 K9873.
The bidding goes:
E S W N
1D 2H P ?
What call do you make with the north hand?
John Dickenson. I think they have a spade fit so I will bid 3H based on The Law of Total Tricks, minus one given the colors. A lot of this depends on my partnership style - if playing with a conservative partner we might have a heart game. None of my partners are conservative and with a good hand would overcall at the one level.
Bill Bauer. Is game possible or likely? I say that it is at least possible because I play vulnerable jump overcalls as sound. The North hand revalues to 13 support points and the clincher is the 4th heart. So, I vote for 3D (cuebid) to invite game.
Elaine Clair. Since I tend to be an over bidder, I think I would bid 4H here. We have ten hearts between us and probably not much defense. They most likely have spades and diamonds and I’d like to make it more difficult for them to find their fit. If my partner is really weak the opponents probably have a game somewhere so it should be reasonably safe. If my partner has a good hand but not good enough to make a game and the opponents don’t have a game then it may wind up being a bad phantom sacrifice.
Dennis O’Brien. I will bid 4H. There are so many routes to game.
Mitch Snyder. Since east couldn't find a spade bid or negative double I don't see EW having a game except in a minor. 3H should be adequate to buy the contract. I don't think there's much chance of making 4H.
Email your questions, or a pesky hand, or something you’d like to know about bidding or playing to Toysie Walker. She will forward them to the panel, one will be chosen, and the question and answers will be printed in the following week’s newsletter.
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