Monday, September 4, 2023

Weekly Hand Analysis -Mark Olsky - September 11, 2023 - Missed Slam


 Question: N/S obtained the 3NT bid fairly easily and missed a slam in clubs.  Was there anyway for South to know about North's clubs?

Mark:

If the N-S use typical Standard American, the bidding would make no sense. 2NT would be a non- forcing invitation for S to bid 3NT with a maximum 1NT hand and to pass with a minimum, which S happens to have. The fact that the bidding went as it did, I assume they play 2NT as a transfer to 3 clubs. In that case, the transfer to 3 clubs followed by a bid of 3NT is a slam invitation showing really good clubs and inviting a slam if S has a maximum. S loves the club fit, but has a minimum 1NT bid and very flat distribution. I would leave it in 3NT. I like this auction just fine and it does show excellent, long clubs in the North hand. It happens that W doesn't have a hand that makes it attractive to lead a heart, so 12 easy tricks were taken. When you are bidding the N-S cards you don't know that hearts will not be led. If a slam is bid, W might lead the Ace of hearts and the hand will be defeated. I'm not normally a fan of leading aces against slams routinely, but some people are. Anyway, 3NT is the right contract without getting a peek at the E-W cards.


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