Dubious Logic

Suffolk v Hertfordshire (2005-6)

Suffolk's opener in the 2005-6 season against Hertfordshire – yes, the new year is upon us already – was a mixed affair. The A team lost 59-112 IMPs, 3-17 VP, the B team won 100-81, 13-7 and the C team were narrowly defeated, 100-108, 9-11.

It only seems like a month or two ago that we played Hertfordshire – and it was. The Eastern Counties season very much avoids the summer months and though it starts in March, fixtures cluster at either end of the playing period. It is worth reviewing the 2004-5 season now it is complete; Suffolk's first team won four out of their seven matches yet finished slightly below average in victory points and fourth equal in the division. This theme of losing much worse than they were able to win was repeated by the second team who were seventh despite winning three from seven. The third team matched the first team, fourth from eight with four wins. Not a bad record, but certainly one we are capable of improving.

In his match report the captain, Andrew Moore, was castigating his team for not showing sufficient ambition on this deal:

This was a painful board for Suffolk as the spade slam was bid only three times, all by the opposition and once in each match for their maximum benefit. One Suffolk pair had the good fortune to defend 6♦ which obviously was easy to beat, but that was offset by team-mates who managed to reach on 3♦ (which was easy to play).

I can see this hand creating difficulties for all systems: West will open a spade and East will no doubt harbour hopes of a slam. However, as he is likely to start with a two diamond response, it will be difficult to elicit any great enthusiasm from West who, with just two small in that suit, has an unattractive holding. Unless a club control bid can be squeezed from West, East will be wary of the prospect he just faces major suit cards, say ♠KJ1032 ♥AKJ5 ♦95 ♣92 – when twelve tricks will be a long way off. It will need the ability to make a clear suit agreement at the 3♠ level for confident progress to be made.

Suffolk v Hertfordshire
'A' Team lost 3-17 VP
R. Hanley / J. Orton
P. Gemmell / P. Sutcliffe
E. Sherer / E. Newman
M Allnutt / D. Sutcliffe

'B' team won 13-7 VP
J. Moore / A. Moore (Capt.)
B. Davies / D. Gudka
R. Green / G. Moody
B. Barker / J. Spearing

'C' team lost 9-11 VP
P. Hanson / B. Malinowska
A. Barnes / D. Gee
S. Flin / G. Beeton
N. Denny / R. Mascall

Published Saturday 23.Apr.2005