Bridge in the Tri-Cities: An Interesting NT

Opening Lead: King of clubs.

South in today’s deal thought that he had seen his hand opened 1NT in a book. He even stated that he had the same thing happen to him at a Regional Tournament. Trade the top two cards in diamonds with the two cards in hearts and maybe it would be ok?

The Bidding: North’s 4H bid was meant as Texas Transfer (South should bid 4S), but they were not playing that convention. Luckily, North had hearts as well as spades. North should have transferred with 2H and then invited in two suits by bidding 3H.

The Play: 2H, 3D, 3S or 3NT will make with perfect play and perfect defense. A deep finesse in hearts may be required.

The Lesson: Someone actually bid and made 3NT! If you play a deal enough times, someone will bid 3NT! At most tables, 4S went down one.

Coming Up: The Tri-Cities Unit 442 of the American Contract Bridge League will have a Sectional Tournament at the Richland Knights of Columbus Hall in Richland. It starts on May 4th and ends on May 7th. There will be novice games for those who are new to tournament competition. For more information contact Donna Parkes at 509-735-9287.

This story was originally published April 30, 2017 at 1:12 AM with the headline "Bridge in the Tri-Cities: An Interesting NT."