Dubious Logic

Suffolk v Hertfordshire

There was no festive cheer for the Suffolk team in their Eastern Counties match against Hertfordshire last weekend. All three teams lost: the 'A' team 5-15, the 'B' team 6-14 and the 'C' team 2-18. At this time of year there are always a few missing names and hastily arranged partnerships as other commitments take their toll. Of course, that holds for the opponents too but they are leading each division and it is always easier to persuade players to re-prioritise when the team is doing well.

Peter Gemmell, the Suffolk captain, drew attention to this board:

Only two pairs – both opponents – bid the spade slam; why so rare? Typically west will start with a weak no-trump (12-14) and east will transfer to spades with a two heart bid – what should west do? Most tournament players employ some sort of "transfer break". Here west is obviously pleased that partner has spades and will bid three spades rather than simply "accept" the transfer with two spades. West doesn't worry that partner is weak for, in most cases, the opposition will have a fit and a contract their way.

The real problem is what happens next. In this case, west's transfer break is a two-edged sword. Though east knows his partner likes spades, it has rather squashed the auction. A four club bid seems the obvious way to continue but look what happens; west is, to borrow a phrase, endplayed in the auction. Four spades will surely end proceedings. West needs to be more courageous but he cannot be sure his partner has clubs – rather than just the ace of the suit – and he has no red suit control to bid.

In situations like this, where you agree a trump fit at the three level having mentioned only one suit (compare 1♠ – 3♠ and 2♣ – 2♦; 2♠ – 3♠), the next suit should be natural, rather than a control (ace, king or shortage). This enables partner to more accurately value their cards.

Did those who reached six spades bid this way? They were both in the 'C' team and perhaps they were less encumbered by system but maybe they work hard on their game and are pressing for promotion!

Suffolk v Hertfordshire
'A' Team lost 5-15 VPs (-30 IMPs)
P. Gemmell (Capt.)/ P. Sutcliffe
M. Allnutt / D. Sutcliffe
R. Hanley / J. Orton
C. Bamberger / R. Green

'B' Team lost 6-14 VPs (-25 IMPs)
J. Price / D. Price
N. Less / H. Mason
N. Denny / R. Mascall
G. Beeton / S. Flin

'C' Team lost 2-18 VPs (-57 IMPs)
J. Lang / E. Newman
J. Heath / M. Heath
B. Malinowska / A. Wilmer
R. Waters / F. Waters

Published Saturday 20.Dec.2008