Passport To Success

Sydney Morning Herald

Friday October 10, 2008

Ron Klinger

The Suit Quality Test is a good guide for an overcall. Add the number of honours in

the suit you want to bid to the number of cards in that suit. If the total equals or

exceeds the number of tricks for which you are bidding, the suit is adequate. For

example, A-Q-7-6-4 (SQT: 2 +5 = 7) is strong enough for a one-level overcall, but

not for the two-level. Breach this guide at your peril.

Of course you still need a minimum number of high card points, 8+ at the one-level, 10+ at the two-level. On this deal from Round 1 of the Autumn National Open Teams, South breached the SQT, but that was not the cause of the disaster. Bd. 15: East dealer; E-W vulnerable

West North East South

--- --- 1D 2C

Dble Pass 2S Pass

4S 5C Dble All pass

Lead: S5

Declarer lost two spades, two diamonds and a heart for 800. This was a phantom sacrifice, since 4S has four losers. Of course, 5C was a silly bid. Donot sacrifice with a balanced hand. The Law of Total Tricks will not save you at a high level with a balanced shape.

Norths 5C is foolish, since the result would be just as costly if South had a sound overcall, say, with CA-K-Q-x-x. If North is to do anything, then 3C over the double is ample. The auction at the other table, where Ishmael DelMonte  Rob Fruewirth were

North-South is noteworthy:

West North East South

--- --- 1D Pass!

1S Pass 2S Pass

3S Pass Pass Pass

Lead: CJ

Declarer could have succeeded, but in practice lost a spade, a club and three hearts for one down. The right suit quality does not mean you are immune from penalties. This deal arose in the semi-finals of the 2007 Bermuda Bowl and Venice Cup: Bd. 66: West dealer; N-S vulnerable

At four of the eight tables it began:

West North East South

1H Pass 1NT 2D?. . .

At one table, this was passed out. At another West bid 2NT (weak hand with clubs) instead of doubling 2D. At the other two tables, West doubled for takeout, pass, pass to South. One South redoubled for rescue and North bid 2S, passed out. The other South passed and West led the HA against 2D doubled.

West continued with HK and the H5, suit-preference for clubs. East ruffed and

switched to the C8, ducked to the king. Declarer won the club return and led the

DQ. East won and had two more diamond tricks later for two down and +500. At the

other table South was silent and East-West bid 1H : 1NT, 2C : 2D, all pass.

Easts 2D went three down for 150 and 12 Imps away. The same auction and result occurred at another table. Confucius say, Both sides play same trump suit, both sides probably wrong. After the opponents have opened and responded, it is risky to become involved in the auction, especially with a balanced hand and with three cards in openers suit if responder has not raised. One South doubled 1NT, but three Souths passed after 1H : 1NT. Well done.

Success is a matter of ration. Aspiration, inspiration and perspiration.

Tomorrows problem:

East dealer; N-S vulnerable

West North East South

--- --- 1D

What would you do as South with:

© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald

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