Bridge in Oz

This hand came up in a recent club game.



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♠.