Weekly Hand Analysis - Vic Johnson - December 12, 2022 - Going Down 3

 

Question: S is holding a 7 card D suit with 11 HCP and opens 1D, N has 5 HCP and responds 1S, E issues a T/O double and S jumps to 3D which becomes the contract. As played, the hand went down 3. What would have been a better progression of bids?

Vic:

It is arguable that South hand is worth 11 HCPs. But with a 7-card suit, I support their opening bid of 1D. Holding only 5 HCPs, it is also arguable that North should bid, but given their 5-card suit plus their distribution, I also support their bid of 1S. In bridge aggressive is good. 

I also support the T/O DBL by East.  

Where the auction goes drastically astray is with the jump to 3D by South which promises 17+ HCPs. Definitely, NS are in over their heads & deserve to go down. 

A second call of 2D by South would have been fine, over which West should bid 2H. Looks to me like EW deserve to make 4H. 

Over 3D by South, I would encourage East to DBL again. I would then encourage West to leave that DBL in for penalty & a really BIG number for EW. In bridge reckless is NOT good. 

Ain't bridge a great game?