Traveller's Tale (May)
This month's matchpoint deal features a common situation: the opening side settles for a part score and the vulnerable opponents must decide whether to compete.
Dealer North
- QJ3
- Q4
- J95
- AKJ86
- 8
- K105
- AK84
- 97543
- A52
- A9872
- 1063
- 102
- K109764
- J63
- Q72
- Q
North opens a weak no-trump and South transfers to spades, an auction likely at many tables. No-one would question the initial passes or East's second with a balanced hand and three spades, but the final decision is West's. Should he compete with a takeout double? Let's look at the traveller:
| Freq. | Contract | NS+ | NS- | NS% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2 x | 2+2 (N) | +170 | 93% | |
1 x | 2+2 (S) | +170 | 93% | |
1 x | 3= (N) | +140 | 75% | |
1 x | 2+1 (N) | +140 | 75% | |
5 x | 2= (N) | +110 | 46% | |
1 x | 2= (S) | +110 | 46% | |
2 x | 4-1 (S) | -100 | 14% | |
1 x | 3-1 (S) | -100 | 14% | |
1 x | 2NT-2 (N) | -200 | 0% |
The limit is eight tricks in spades but nine in hearts however, two spades was the contract at ten of the 15 tables.
There are two reasons behind this meekness in club bridge; first, many associate takeout doubles only over an opening bid, inextricably attached to high-card strength. The idea that it is predominately a suggestion of 'support for unbid suits' and that it is possible to pass and re-enter the auction is unfamiliar. Second – more reasonably but probably a lesser cause – is that their side's vulnerability is a deterrent.
At any form of bridge bidding over their contract is a good idea if both contracts make and a bad thing if both fail. At matchpoints you can improve your score by taking a lesser penalty than the opponents' making contract. That's especially true when you are not vulnerable; -50 or -100 is better than -110 or -140. In practice, few are willing to double and defend – with good reason, an unfortunate lead, a slip in defence and they might make – when +100 was not enough anyway.
When the outbid side is vulnerable the margins are narrower: down two is a disaster and the opponents are more likely to double to realise +200 from a single-trick defeat. But that doesn't mean you should always go quietly. My test is there should be a real chance of both contracts succeeding. That is the measure and is not the only way to win; opponents might bid on and go down and, vulnerable, you should have enough defence so partner can pass with a good holding in their suit.
Here West has a perfect hand for action; a low singleton in spades and a 5-4-3-1 shape (usually better than 4-4-4-1) with the only suit lacking high cards bolstered by extra length. The defensive prospects are enhanced by honours located in the shorter suits. West has a clear double. Does it matter you haven't got four hearts? Not really – you are simply looking for a playable spot the three-level.
Published Saturday 25.May.2019