Bridge in Oz

I agree with the suggestion of a lead-directing 1D opening in third seat. Having said that, South might still consider leading the strong club sequence...

Well played for declarer in a club game to take the ruffing finesse and set up the long suit in hearts.

hi Rod, I think East and West headings are back to front?

Had dummy not had the HQ, a minor suit king in that hand would also have done the job, as long as the opening lead was not a spade (the S10 is needed as an entry). The discussion of this freak reminds me of a chapter in a Reese book (if I recall correctly), where he discusses what to open with 13 so...

Thanks Rod, a delicate hand. Re your mention of the need to ruff a club loser, mention perhaps needs to be made that this is AFTER discarding one of dummy's clubs on a long diamond (once these have been - hopefully - established).

Nice material as always. My only comment would be that over a 1NT rebid, 5-5 shape is not promised in an auction like:
1C 1S
1NT 2H
Responder might have (IMO) a hand like
J9876
J972
43
K2
or a few more HCP (but as was noted in the article, a weak hand).

Nicely done!

Yes good point, East will probably have exited a club after cashing the spades, in which case West will have a safe exit (CA, felling North's now-bare CK) if thrown in with the third diamond.

Cool deal! In playing the diamonds, you could start with the DA in case East has the singleton D10 so you can then take the "marked" finesse of the D9 (I realise you don't expect East would open a weak two with this 10 HCP plus a singleton, but not everyone thinks alike). Another possible ...

Perhaps it is not even a 4-3 fit. This time partner had: J62 KJ752 K82 74 Now say you had: 543 A9 AQJ9 AK52 You double their 1S. Partner bids 3H. You cue 3S. Now if partner bids 4H, you pass, and opposite partner's hand you at least have prospects, but if partner has only four hearts (especially if ...

Agreed, takeout double is the right choice. And then over partner's 3H, you bid 3S, to leave 3NT as an option. Not sure about 4-minor by partner now showing slam interest - don't you want partner's 4H to show extra length so you know whether to leave it there? Anyhow, the auction was right on your a...