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The Art of Game Tries

Posted: 06 Aug 2023, 18:06
by rod
This hand came up in a recent club game.

West
♠ A93
KQ6
8652
♣ 1076

Pass
2S
4S
East
♠ K7654
J
AJ3
♣ AQ53

1S
3C
Pass


This game had no chance on the diamond lead, though it seemed reasonable for West to accept with 9 points.

The problem is that the side suits did not fit well. If you switch West's heart honors to the minor suits then game is a favorite.

The solution is to understand that the side suit bids, which I call "fragment" bids, show one or more high cards in the bid suit. So what West might do is realize that the 3♣ call did not improve the hand, and try 3 to show a fragment in hearts and deny one in diamonds. The idea is to bid them up-the-line as long as a decision is not clear.

The 3 call would be discouraging for East who would then be able to sign off at 3♠.