Weekly Hand Analysis - Vic Johnson - February 26, 2024 - Bid

 

Question:  South bid 3 diamonds and made 6.  How should the bidding have gone?

Vic:

Well, NS actually deserve all thirteen tricks playing in diamonds, although I suspect many NS would take only twelve. I also suspect many NS would find a no trump contract (rather than diamonds). Playing no trump, NS deserve to take eleven tricks.

 The auction shown above is pretty reasonable, except that North should not pass 3D. 

 The 1NT bid by North promised partner a bottom of the line opening hand (13-14 pts). South nevertheless opted to make a jump bid to 3D. The jump conveys the message that South is not ready to stop bidding. 

 Knowing they have a diamond fit & also that south bid spades on their first chance to call, I would encourage North to bid 3NT (rather than Pass) on their 3rd chance to call. That would probably end the auction.

 Bidding slam is challenging. I suspect only the most experienced pairs would manage that one. A key to doing so is for North to know about South's 6-card diamond suit. 

 On their first chance to call, I would consequently encourage South to bid 1D (not 1S). Bidding 1D poses no danger of missing a spade fit. And it creates the possibility of a diamond rebid to promise six.

 The knowledge that they probably have six tricks off the top in diamonds, might encourage experienced players to explore for slam.

 Ain't bridge a great game?