Balancing actions.
North-South have reached a very poor contract. As so often, each of the two players considers that his partner is responsible for the accident. And you, what do you think?
This month we will be looking at:
Balancing actions.
Problem 1
| W | N | E | S |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1♠ | Pass | ||
| Pass | Dble | Pass | 2♣ |
| Pass | 2NT |
The facts
After the Spade lead, all North had to do was dislodge the Ace of Diamonds to take nine tricks: two Spades, four Diamonds and three Clubs. One thing is certain: with 27HCP in the combined hands, our young friends must play the game in No-Trump.
Arguments
North: “I doubled in the pass-out position, then freely bid 2NT, thus I showed the intention of making eight tricks opposite a weak or very weak hand. How can you pass with 9HCP?”
South: “I don’t agree with you. It is my response, 2♣, that forces you to speak at the two-level. Your No-Trump bid is made at the lowest possible level, I don’t even know if it promises opening strength. With 18HCP that are worth 19 and your beautiful five-card suit, you must jump to 3NT. I must have 7 or 8HCP in my hand when East passed 1♠.”
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