Third suit forcing,the third round of the bidding and its consequences
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 examine third suit forcing,
the third round of the bidding and its consequences.
Problem 1
| W | N | E | S |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1♣ | Pass | 1♠ | |
| Pass | 2♣ | Pass | 2♦ |
| Pass | 2♥ | Pass | 3NT |
The facts
A pathetic result. The defense quickly cashed five tricks in Hearts while the experts bid to 6 Clubs, the others played in 5 Clubs, a lesser evil.
Arguments
North: “I bid what seemed right. I know that 3♣ is non-forcing and that 3♦ guarantees four-card support. Since I don’t stop the Hearts, I tried a fourth suit 2♥ which, in my opinion, promises nothing in Hearts.”
South: “I took your 2♥ bid for a stopper in Hearts, with no notion of strength. You obviously don’t have Spade support, and 3 No-Trump seems easier to make than 5 Clubs where the defense can start with Ace-King of Diamonds and a Diamond ruff.”
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