Suffolk v Northants

In their most recent Eastern Counties match Suffolk had much the better of the exchanges against Northamptonshire. On the scale that matters - victory points - Suffolk did not lose a match, getting close enough in IMPs to draw the 'A' team encounter and winning the 'B' and 'C' fixtures 11-9 and 13-7 respectively.

Looking over the scores I see that there were several with hard-to-believe results: one deal featured contracts of 6♠-2 and 1♠+3 together with making games in either major, several high-level sacrifices and a meek defence of 3♦ on the same cards. Maybe, as they say, that is a story for which the world is not yet ready. There were only two strains here and it is a bit easier to see how they arose:

Game All
Dealer East
  • 642
  • AQ83
  • A32
  • AQ2
  • KQJ109
  • K96
  • 76
  • 843
N
W
E
S
  • 8753
  • 74
  • KQ854
  • 109
  • A
  • J1052
  • J109
  • KJ765

After two passes what should West open? I think it would be rare to find that hand passed even at county level – the spade suit is far to useful to go unmentioned. Consider how you'd feel after the brief auction 1NT – 3NT to see partner face a small diamond…

Once West has opened the spotlight falls to North. I know there are some purists who might pass but I feel that some action is called else you'll never contest the part score. If North does double, East should raise, possibly to the three level. South however, will not stay out of game in hearts. But what if West thinks this is the time to try a weak two opener on his cards? A fortuitous choice – North now really has no unflawed action and may well pass. He should always be saved by South however – it is the responsibility of the hand with shape to act and South should double either two spades or three.

Suffolk v Northants
'A' Team drew 10-10 VPs (-1 IMPs)
B. Barker / A. Day
J. Lang / D. Morran
M. Allnutt / D. Sutcliffe
P. Gemmell / P. Sutcliffe

'B' Team won 11-9 VPs (+6 IMPs)
R. Parrish / A. Shearman
N. Denny / R. Mascall
B. Davies / A. Moore
C. Bamberger / R. Green

'C' Team won 13-7 VPs (+18 IMPs)
W. Hanley / B. Malinowska
B. Ellul / R. Marriott
A. Carlisle / J. Marsh
J. Mayhew / A. Wilmer

Published Saturday 4.Mar.2006