Suffolk v Norfolk

Suffolk got the worst of the Eastern Counties League match against Norfolk last Sunday – despite the visitors regularly checking the weather for their return journey North. Suffolk 'A' and 'B' teams lost 8-12 and 3-17 respectively in victory points but the 'C' team saved some pride by winning 13-7. Suffolk were also on the wrong side of the no-trump versus four-major decisions:

Game All
Dealer South
  • K984
  • 1095
  • 10872
  • 43
  • AJ1072
  • QJ7
  • A9
  • KJ6
N
W
E
S
  • Q65
  • 43
  • KQ63
  • A1092
  • 3
  • AK862
  • J54
  • Q875
West
North
East
South
Gobert
Norfolk
Chambers
Norfolk
—
—
—
1
1
Pass
2*
Pass
2NT
Pass
3NT
End

Two hearts was a constructive spade raise and West showed his hand type. He had in mind East holding three hearts and an early play of heart king, ace and ruff. East had in mind West hands with strong hearts and weak spades. I'm reluctant to suggest an artificial solution but I think I might have passed back the decision about no-trumps or spades by bidding three hearts over two no-trump. Of course, it gives no consolation to note that 3NT is makeable (answer at end), partner naturally took the spade finesse after the heart lead was ducked and was quickly one down.

Whereas the five-card major partnerships doubtless locked into spades after South passed on the deal above (or played no-trump without a heart lead), these cards showed the other side:

  • J52
  • QJ96
  • AJ6
  • AKJ
N
W
E
S
  • 1073
  • AK32
  • Q108
  • 1083

Where West opened one heart, he was able to express a preference for no-trumps below game. In a five-card major system, after a minor West subsequently struggled to express both shape and strength, though after say, 1♣ – 1♥; 3♥, despite two unprotected suits, East might try 3NT. Spades were 4-3, the club finesse failed but the diamond finesse succeeded.

To make 3NT in the top diagram after a heart lead is ducked, easiest to see is to cash the spade ace, three diamonds and take a club finesse of the knave. After club king and exiting with a heart, South can take his winners then has to lead a club into the ace-ten.

Suffolk v Norfolk
'A' Team lost 8-12 VPs (-11 IMPs)
P. Gemmell (Capt.) / P. Sutcliffe
C. Chambers / J. Gobert
J. Lang / D. Morran
E. Newman / M. Sherer

'B' Team lost 3-17 VPs (-51 IMPs)
M. Allnutt / D. Sutcliffe
A. Moore / J. Moore
R. Hanley / J. Orton
C. Bamberger / R. Green

'C' Team won 13-7 VPs (+18 IMPs)
J. Price / D. Price
G. Beeton / S. Flin
J. Mayhew / A. Wilmer
N. Less / H. Mason

Published Saturday 7.Feb.2009