Oxford 11

This was almost a triumph! But was actually a disaster!

K86
Q95
AQ93
A52

You open 1D, 1H on your left, 2H (agreeing Diamonds) from partner, Pass, your go.

I decided to bid 2N as being the most descriptive. The bidding (all your way) proceeded: -

3D
3S (might as well show some interest with 2 first round and 1 second round controls)
4D
??

At this point you know partner hasn't showed any aces or features at the 3 level despite having the opportunity to do so (tho' may have the ace of spades). Chances are, therefore, that he has a minimum for his bid. If he hasn't, he's still at the table and, having shown an ace that you don't have (in spades) there is no reason to show another one. 5D is clearcut, therefore.

Sadly, I (over!)bid 5C and we proceeded to 6D.

Partner puts down: -

ATxx
K
KT874
KJ6

The defence starts with HA and a small H to the J and your Q. I drew trumps, took the club finesse and finished the clubs, then took the remainder of the trumps to arrive at this position:

ATx
-
-
-

Kx
9

I knew West held the HT, so if he also held QJ of Spades, I'd have squeezed him in H and S - Triumph snatched from the jaws of Disaster! Fantastic - I'd dine off this for weeks (well, maybe about 5 minutes!).

Sadly, justice was done and East was able to hold the Spades. Lesson? I guess its that if partner makes a bid that is unlimited at the time but subsequently limits it by not making further forward moves on the next round, trust him that he is limiting the previous bid!

Oxford 08

Well, I'd like to report a load of successes from this match. However........maybe some learning points instead!


Love all, Dealer W

North

A
KQT762
53
JT85

West

T52
AJ5
KT
KQ976

East

J9
843
AQJ96
KQ976

South

KQ87643
9
8742
A

1NT from W, 2H from N, 3D from E (or 2N showing a wish to compete in a minor). What should you do as South?

The sound choice is to pass, since the defence can always hold you to 8 tricks (and you can always hold E-W to 8. However, neither is easy! In practice, the unsound action of bidding 3S seems to have been the winning option.

What's the lesson?? Possibly its to bid boldly, especially with a 7 card suit AND if the opposition is unlikely to be able to recognise that's what you're doing.