Bridge is a game with thousands of unusual situations. Being aware of these situations is called “Technique”. One point of technique is that a 4-3 fit is often right at the one- and two-level, more so than at a higher level. Another is that at the same level, notrumps is more difficult than a suit contract.
In a teams event you hold
AQJ,
KJ4,
1098,
J962, vulnerable versus non vulnerable. You open 1
in second seat, and LHO jumps to 2
. Partner doubles, and RHO passes. You consider passing, but decide on your other choice, 2NT:
Dealer East N/S Vul
|
10 9 8 6 3
9 3
A Q J 7
Q 7 |
|
| 7 5 4
A Q 8 7 5 2
3 2
K 4 |
|
K 2
10 6
K 6 5 4
A 10 8 5 3 |
|
A Q J
K J 4
10 9 8
J 9 6 2 |
West leads a heart, and East returns a heart when in with
K. You lose eight tricks for -300. In the discussion after the score-up, one of your teammates listens to the bidding, then looks at your hand and says “2
”.
Yes, that would have been a far better choice than 2NT. How do players in their twenties know these things?
South’s fifth spade was a bonus, but the double of 2
guaranteed at least four spades, and the 4-3 spade fit would still have been much better than 2NT.
Two months later I held
A54,
K73,
KQ2,
9852 and the bidding proceeded:
| West |
North |
East |
South |
| Pass |
Pass |
2 |
Pass |
| Pass |
Dbl |
Pass |
? |
Partner is a near certainty to hold four spades, and 2NT may not play well opposite a hand that couldn’t open the bidding. So, in light of the previous experience, 2
was an easy choice:
West deals, EW vul
|
K 10 8 7
J 6
10 9 6 4
A K 3 |
|
| J 9 6 3
Q 5
J 7 3
Q J 7 4 |
|
Q 2
A 10 9 8 4 2
A 8 5
10 6 |
|
A 5 4
K 7 3
K Q 2
9 8 5 2 |
2
played nicely, and scored +140, though perfect defence could have held it to eight tricks. On the other hand, 2NT would have had no chance.
Q lead would have set up five heart tricks, plus
A, for down one.
There must be many times in the past when you have looked for a minor suit fit at the three-level, or battled it out in 2NT. In future keep in mind 2
, knowing the contract is going to be played in a 4-3 (Moysian) fit. Paul Lavings
Paul Lavings Bridge Books & Supplies 
