Spring Fours (2) - Maximum Pre-empts
Continuing with the Schapiro Spring Fours and a modest review of the active style of bridge played, here is a deal where the pre-emptor wins. I ought to preface this with something of a health warning: "Pre-emption can help opponents as well as hinder them". One player and author, Michael Rosenberg, who espouses a more conservative approach, suggests that we selectively remember occasions when exuberance pays off and not when it doesn't – there is something in that.
When you pre-empt they say you should do it to the maximum. You are a Dutch international playing in the secondary event, the Punchbowl, considering your problem as North here:
- AKQ5432
- ---
- QJ42
- 86
1. Clubs and hearts, weak or strong
2. Spades, enough for game (3♠ would have not been forcing)
Time stood still. Double usually shows a heart loser but South was, well, somewhat short of space. West produced a book and read a chapter. Eventually North emerged with seven spades, followed by three quick passes. "At least we have the ace of trumps!" quipped dummy. But they didn't have the ace of clubs.
Dealer South
- AKQ5432
- ---
- QJ42
- 86
- 10
- K10632
- 98
- 109532
- J76
- AQJ9874
- 10
- A7
- 98
- 5
- AK7653
- KQJ4
In the other room, East tried to 'walk' the hand, hoping to buy the contract at a lower level:
1. Clubs and hearts
2. Spades, enough for game (3♠ would have not been forcing)
This time, having bid two slams without certainty, North was able to respect his partner's decision. Looking back to the problem in the first room, North couldn't have been certain that, with an unfortunate lead, seven hearts wouldn't actually make. A regretful seven spades was the most sensible choice. I'm glad no-one has asked me why I didn't double – that way madness lies; the last you thing you want is partner thinking it takes a unusual lead to beat seven no-trump. And +200 scores the same number of IMPs as +100 when matched with our team-mate's +500.
Published Saturday 17.May.2008