The Unusual No-Ttrump (2)

Having written an article last week critical of the unusual no-trump, I thought – lest I be regarded as a misery for trying to take away a favourite toy – I ought to come forth with some evidence. First example that I remember only too painfully as it contributed to our exit from the 2005 Schapiro Spring Fours:

  • 95
  • AKJ864
  • A
  • KQ104
N
W
E
S
  • AKQJ8
  • 1072
  • J542
  • 7

We bid rather well I thought, to the reasonable heart slam. After a diamond lead, West gave the matter thought but with nothing to guide him, played for trumps 2-2. They weren't, South held ♥Q95 and we were down one. At the other table they bid rather well too and reached the same contract except that here, declarer took the heart finesse. Why? North held,

And, at favourable vulnerability, had been unable to resist the unusual no-trump. West thought he had enough clues to make the winning play and he was right. Admission two:

NS Vul.
Dealer North
  • Q10732
  • Q73
  • J106
  • 74
  • KJ8
  • 1052
  • KQ52
  • 653
N
W
E
S
  • A94
  • AKJ986
  • 8
  • A82
  • 65
  • 5
  • A9743
  • KQJ109

Here with the vulnerability against him, South again couldn't stop from getting involved and forcing his side to the three level – a two club overcall if you must say something; do you want a diamond lead if West declares? The result was down two in a competition of nerves between declarer and defence. But +500 was nothing to be sniffed at especially as game looked far from certain for East-West.

However, the madness was infectious and at the other table, South succumbed there too. East-West didn't stop off to double the run-out but bid their game instead. And guess what? Aided by the two-suited overcall, East picked up North's guarded trump queen here as well. That held the loss on the board to just two IMPs - some of the unusual no-trumpers no doubt thought they got off lightly.

Published Saturday 5.Aug.2006