Weekly Hand Analysis - Vic Johnson - October 2, 2023 - Continue with a minor

 

Question:  South was concerned about hearts and so decided to continue diamonds.  Was there a better way to bid this hand?  (South started with a 1 club bid which is not shown above.)

Vic:

Yes, there was a MUCH better way. Over partner's 3NT South needed to PASS!

By bidding NT not just once, but twice, North clearly promised a heart stopper. South has every reason to believe their heart Queen will solidify the heart stopper North is imagining. South has very little cause to be concerned about hearts.

 What South has every reason to be concerned about is trading a game contract (3NT) that requires only 9 tricks to make for a game contract (5D) that requires 11 tricks to make. It is FAR more difficult to take 11 tricks than 9 tricks. 

 Playing in 3NT, EW deserve an overtrick (10 tricks total) for a score of 630 points. By a stroke of good luck, EW deserve to take 11 tricks playing in 5D, also making game, but for a score of only 600 points. 

 Playing duplicate bridge, EW pairs bidding 5D & taking 11 tricks would get zero match points versus EW pairs bidding 3NT & taking only 10 tricks.

 Does South not trust their partner? Because if they do not, then they should be looking for a new partner. Bridge is a TEAM game. There is no future in playing bridge with a partner who cannot be trusted.

 And if North realizes that South is not willing to trust them, then it is North who should be looking for a new partner. 

 Ain't bridge a great game?