EVENT>Monday Night Bridge      |SESSION>Monday Eve   |SECTION> A
------------------------,------ ------------,-------- --------------------------
DATE>July 3, 2017       |CLUB NO.>185264    | 07/03/2017 22:31
---------------------,-- ------------------- -------------,---------------------
DIR> Mike Lipp       |RATING>Club Masterpoint (100%, 80%, 70% Open)|MOVEMENT>ONE WINNER
------------,-------- ,-------------------------,--------- ---------------------
AVE>   81.0 |TOP>   6 |MP LIMITS>None/500/200   |CLUB>Mike's Games At The CBC
------------ --------- ------------------------- -------------------------------
PAIRS IN STRAT A=14/B=9/C=5                      ,---,-------------------------,------,---------,
-------------------------------------------------|   |           Section       |      |Section  |
No Name                   Name                   |Flt|Rnk-A|Rnk-B|Rnk-C| Score | Pct  |Awards   |
------------------------------------------------- --- ----- ----- ----- ------- ------ ---------
 1 Monica Ibarra          Pam Campbell             B    .     .     .     82.00  50.62
 2 John Meinking          Betty Murdock            A    2     .     .     91.00  56.17  0.98(A)
 3 Susan Stacy Vanstone   Martin Gibler            B    .     .     .     81.00  50.00
 4 Joseph Kammer          Gail Zimmer              B    1     1     .     92.00  56.79  1.40(A)
 5 Martin Petersen        Margaret Booker          C    .     .     .     79.00  48.77
 6 Judy Crotty Hall       Carla Runda              C    .     .     .     77.00  47.53
 7 Frank Lichtenberger    Ralph Terbrueggen        A    3     .     .     90.50  55.86  0.70(A)
 8 Patrick Hoffman        Robert Roark             B    4     2     .     88.00  54.32  0.50(B)
 9 Tom Kereiakes          Annette Kereiakes        C    5     3     1     85.50  52.78  0.36(B)
10 Judy Barron            Louise Wolf              C    .     4     2     84.50  52.16  0.25(B)
11 Liz Lin                Elmer Hubka              A    .     .     .     55.50  34.26
12 Stephen Felson         Robert Brown             A    .     .     .     78.50  48.46
13 Charlie Kobida         Mike Burns               C    .     .     .     64.50  39.81
14 Michael Lipp           Cecilia Kloecker         A    6     .     .     85.00  52.47  0.23(A)

                                          Totals                        1134.00


                                          **PAIRS**
BOARD     1     2     3     4     5     6     7     8     9    10    11    12    13    14
  /
   1>     5     3     1     5     6     0     5     4     1     5     1     2     3     1
         450* -430  -450   450* -170   170* -400  -420   400*  450* -450   420*  430* -450

   2>     0     4-    1-    6     1-    4-    4-    3     1-    4-    0     3     1-    6
        -500*   50  -150   200* -150   150*   50  -140   -50*  150* -200   140*  -50*  500

   3>     3-    6     2-    3-    2-    3-    2-    2-    3-    3-    2-    3-    0     2-
        -480*  980   480  -480*  480  -480*  480   480  -480* -480*  480  -480* -980*  480

   4>     5     4     5     1     5     0     6     1     3     5     1     3     1     2
        -110* -200*  680  -680*  680  -100   100*  110   650   680  -680* -650* -680*  200

   5>     5-     -    3-    5-    5-    2     4      -    3-     -     -    2-    2-    5-
        -170* -650*  620  -170*  650   200  -200*  170   620   170  -650* -620* -620*  650

   6>     3     0     3     3     3     3     3     3     0     3     3     6     3     6
         620* -100* -620   620* -620  -620   620* -620  -650  -620   620*  650*  620*  100

   7>     3-    2-    4     5-    6     5      -    5-    3-    0     1     2-     -    2
         100  -100*  -90* PASS*  300   200  PASS  PASS*  100  -300* -200* -100* PASS    90

   8>     2     2-    1     5-    3-    6      -    5-    3-    2-    0     4      -    5
        -100    50* -130*  110*  -50   170  -110   110*  -50    50* -170*  100* -110   130

   9>     2     5     2     0     0     4     4     2     1     6     2     4     6     4
         200  -140* -420* -450*  100   420   420  -420*  140  -100* -420* -200*  450   420

  10>     4     4     2     2     5     6     2     4     2     0     4     2     1     4
         100   100  -100* -100*  110*  140* -100*  100  -100* -140   100  -100* -110   100

  11>     4-    4-    1-    6     0     4     4     2     4     2     2     1-    6     0
         300   300  -300*  100* -400* -150* -150*  150  -150*  150   150  -300*  400  -100

  12>      -    6     5-    2     3     5-    4     5     1      -    2     0     3     4
        -100   620   100* -170* -140*  100* -100*  600  -600* -100   100  -620*  140   170

  13>     0     2-    2-    3-    1-    5-     -    1-    6     5-    4-    3-     -    4-
        -400* -100  -100   100*  -90*  200* -200   -90*  400   200*   90   100* -200    90

  14>     3     4     2     2     6      -    5-    5     3      -    1     4     5-    0
          50*   50  -100   -50*  150* -100*  100   120*  -50  -100* -120   100*  100  -150

  15>     4     5     6     1     2     4     0     4     2     6     2     0     2     4
         420*   50   100   -50*  100*  420* -450   420* -420   450* -420  -100* -420  -100

  16>     5     1     1-    1-    4-    2     4-    0     4-    6     1-    4-    1-    4
        -630   630* -660  -660   660*  650*  660* -100*  660*  100  -660   660* -660  -650

  17>     3     3     4-     -    1-    0     4     1-    5-    4-     -    5-    2     6
         150  -150*  420  -150  -420* -940*   50* -420*  150*  420  -150   150*  -50   940

  18>     6     0     3     5     3     2     4-    4-    6     1-    0     1     1-    4
         620  -620*   90   170   -90* -140*  100*  100*  200* -100  -200  -170* -100   140

  19>     1     5-     -    2-     -    3-    2     2-    6     0     5     5-    3-    4
         200   480  -480*  230  -480* -230* -450*  230  -170*  170  -200*  480  -230*  450

  20>     3     3     3     6     6     0     3     3     3     3     3     0     3     3
        -100  -100   100*  100   200* -100*  100* -100   100* -100   100* -200   100* -100

  21>     3     3     3     3     5     3     6     6     1     5     3     1     0     0
        -100  -100   100* -100   200*  100*  500*  300  -100*  100   100* -200  -300* -500

  22>     2     6     4-    1-     -    1-    5-    5-    3     4     0     4-    3      -
        -710   100  -680   680*-2210   680* 2210* 2210* -690   710* -100* -680   690*-2210

  23>     0     1-    5-     -    3-    2-    2-    4-    5-    6     4-    3-     -    1-
        -200  -100   690  -690*  630  -630* -630*  100*  690   200*  100*  630  -690* -100

  24>     3     3     3     3     3     3     3     0     0     3     3     3     6     6
         170   170   170  -170*  170  -170* -170* -420*  -50  -170* -170*  170    50*  420

  25>     2-    3-    1     6     0     2-    3-    3-    6     2-    5     2-    3-    0
         -50    50*  -90*  340  -340*  -50    50*   50*  100*  -50    90   -50    50* -100

  26>     2-    3-    6     5-     -    2-    3-    3-     -    2-    0     2-    3-    5-
        -100   100*  400*  620  -620* -100   100*  100* -620* -100  -400  -100   100*  620

  27>     5-    4     2-    5-     -    1     2-    5     6     2     3-    3-     -    0
         590  -300* -420*  590  -590*  100  -420* -100*  100*  300   420   420  -590* -100
Monday Night Bridge, Monday Eve, July 3, 2017

Board 1
North Deals
None Vul
K J 6 4 2
Q 10 2
A 6 3
9 2
5
K 9 7 6 5
K 9 8 7 5
A 8
N
WE
S
A Q 9
A J 4
J 4 2
Q J 4 3
10 8 7 3
8 3
Q 10
K 10 7 6 5

EW 5; EW 3N; EW 5; EW 2; E 1; Par −450

WestNorthEastSouth
 Pass1 NT1Pass
2 2Pass2 Pass
3 3Pass3 Pass
4 PassPassPass
  1. 15 to 17
  2. Transfer
  3. Natural and game forcing

ContractLeadScoreMatchpointsPairPair
    N-SE-WN-SE-WN-SE-W
3 W4 31706.000.005-Petersen-Booker6-Hall-Runda
3 NTE3 34005.001.007-Lichtenberger-Terbrueggen9-Kereiakes-Kereiakes
4 E4 64204.002.008-Hoffman-Roark12-Felson-Brown
3 NTE4 54303.003.002-Meinking-Murdock13-Kobida-Burns
4 E5 64501.005.003-Vanstone-Gibler10-Barron-Wolf
4 W5 94501.005.0011-Lin-Hubka4-Kammer-Zimmer
4 W5 24501.005.0014-Lipp-Kloecker1-Ibarra-Campbell

When you have a hand similar to the one West holds with a five-card major, game-going values, and a singleton or void in a side suit, it's usually a better idea to bid a minor suit at the three level after your transfer than to rebid 3 NT. If partner has 3+ cards in your major, they'll support your suit at the three level. If they have fewer than 3-card support, they'll rebid 3 NT.

E/W lose two Diamond tricks, making five. South may lead a trump, since all of their other options look putrid. There's no way to play the Diamond suit for one loser.


Board 2
East Deals
N-S Vul
A K 8 6
8
A Q 8 3 2
J 10 4
Q 10
A 4 3
9 6
A K Q 9 8 6
N
WE
S
7 5 2
K Q J 9 2
J 10
7 5 3
J 9 4 3
10 7 6 5
K 7 5 4
2

NS 5; NS 5; EW 3; EW 3; Par +500: EW 6×−3; EW 6×−3

WestNorthEastSouth
  PassPass
1 NT12 22 32 
3 3 PassPass
Pass   
  1. 15 to 17
  2. Alert, artificial DONT bid showing Diamonds and a higher-ranking suit
  3. Natural and to play

ContractLeadScoreMatchpointsPairPair
    N-SE-WN-SE-WN-SE-W
4 ×E−3 45006.000.0014-Lipp-Kloecker1-Ibarra-Campbell
4 W−1 K504.501.502-Meinking-Murdock13-Kobida-Burns
4 W−1 A504.501.507-Lichtenberger-Terbrueggen9-Kereiakes-Kereiakes
2 E3 41403.003.008-Hoffman-Roark12-Felson-Brown
3 W5 81501.504.503-Vanstone-Gibler10-Barron-Wolf
3 W5 A1501.504.505-Petersen-Booker6-Hall-Runda
2 E5 22000.006.0011-Lin-Hubka4-Kammer-Zimmer

E/W have to be careful not to push N/S into game. N/S lose one Heart trick and one Club, making five. West will lead the  K (asking for count) and cash the  A at trick two.


Board 3
South Deals
E-W Vul
A 8 6
10 9 5 4 3
A
A 10 7 4
K Q J 10 7 5 3
Q
9 5
9 6 2
N
WE
S
9
7 6
K 8 7 6 4 3
Q J 8 3
4 2
A K J 8 2
Q J 10 2
K 5

NS 6; NS 5N; NS 4; NS 3; NS 1; Par +980

WestNorthEastSouth
   1 
3 14 2Pass5 3
Pass5 4Pass6 5
Pass6 PassPass
Pass   
  1. Weak jump overcall
  2. RKC Blackwood (Kickback) for Hearts
  3. 1430 response showing 2 or 5 keycards w/o the  Q
  4. Confirmation of all the keycards and asking for specific Kings
  5. Showing the  K and denying the  K

ContractLeadScoreMatchpointsPairPair
    N-SE-WN-SE-WN-SE-W
6 S6 K9806.000.002-Meinking-Murdock13-Kobida-Burns
4 S6 K4802.503.503-Vanstone-Gibler10-Barron-Wolf
4 S6 K4802.503.505-Petersen-Booker6-Hall-Runda
4 S6 K4802.503.507-Lichtenberger-Terbrueggen9-Kereiakes-Kereiakes
4 S6 K4802.503.508-Hoffman-Roark12-Felson-Brown
4 S6 K4802.503.5011-Lin-Hubka4-Kammer-Zimmer
4 S6 K4802.503.5014-Lipp-Kloecker1-Ibarra-Campbell

If you're holding the North hand, and you bid 4  after West's 3  preempt, you should be kicked. N/S lose one Spade trick, making six. West will lead the  K.


Board 4
West Deals
Both Vul
Q
A Q J 10 9 2
A 9 8 5
3 2
J 5 2
K 7 4
K 4 3
K 9 8 4
N
WE
S
10 8 6 3
8 5
10 6
Q J 10 7 6
A K 9 7 4
6 3
Q J 7 2
A 5

NS 7N; NS 7; NS 6; NS 5; NS 2; Par +2220

WestNorthEastSouth
Pass1 Pass1 
Pass4 PassPass
Pass   

ContractLeadScoreMatchpointsPairPair
    N-SE-WN-SE-WN-SE-W
4 N6 Q6805.001.003-Vanstone-Gibler13-Kobida-Burns
4 N6 Q6805.001.005-Petersen-Booker11-Lin-Hubka
4 N6 Q6805.001.0010-Barron-Wolf4-Kammer-Zimmer
4 N5 Q6503.003.009-Kereiakes-Kereiakes12-Felson-Brown
3 N5 Q2002.004.0014-Lipp-Kloecker2-Meinking-Murdock
3 S3 41101.005.008-Hoffman-Roark1-Ibarra-Campbell
5 S−1 41000.006.006-Hall-Runda7-Lichtenberger-Terbrueggen

N/S lose no tricks, making seven. Don't think that you should be in six, much less seven, though. To make seven you need (1) West to hold the  K but not  Kxxx, (2) West to hold the  K and either East to hold Tx doubleton or West to hold  KTx. That's somewhere around a 15% line. Your odds are better for six obviously, but it's a magic hand. East will lead the  Q.


Board 5
North Deals
N-S Vul
J 7 5 4 2
K J 9 3
K 10
8 5
Q 6
A 8 7 5
A 9 5 4
K 7 4
N
WE
S
10 3
Q 10 6 4
J 8 3 2
10 9 3
A K 9 8
2
Q 7 6
A Q J 6 2

NS 4; NS 3N; NS 4; NS 1; NS 1; Par +620

WestNorthEastSouth
 PassPass1 
Pass1 Pass3 
Pass4 PassPass
Pass   

ContractLeadScoreMatchpointsPairPair
    N-SE-WN-SE-WN-SE-W
4 S5 46505.500.505-Petersen-Booker11-Lin-Hubka
4 N5 46505.500.5014-Lipp-Kloecker2-Meinking-Murdock
4 N4 36203.502.503-Vanstone-Gibler13-Kobida-Burns
4 N4 46203.502.509-Kereiakes-Kereiakes12-Felson-Brown
3 N5 102002.004.006-Hall-Runda7-Lichtenberger-Terbrueggen
3 N4 91700.505.508-Hoffman-Roark1-Ibarra-Campbell
3 N4 31700.505.5010-Barron-Wolf4-Kammer-Zimmer

N/S lose one Heart trick, one Diamond, and one Club, making four. East may lead the T, and declarer would be wise to rise with the  A, cash the  AK, and concede three tricks to West.


Board 6
East Deals
E-W Vul
K Q 5
A 10 6 4 3
8 3
8 5 3
A 10 8 2
K
A K 10 9 6 4
J 6
N
WE
S
J 9 7 4
Q 9
J 5 2
A K Q 9
6 3
J 8 7 5 2
Q 7
10 7 4 2

W 6; EW 5N; EW 4; E 5; EW 5; EW 1; Par −1370

WestNorthEastSouth
  1 Pass
1 Pass1 NT1Pass
2 2Pass3 Pass
4 Pass4 Pass
PassPass  
  1. Alert, may have chosen to hide a 4-card major
  2. Alert, natural and game forcing showing an opening hand with four Spades and longer Diamonds

ContractLeadScoreMatchpointsPairPair
    N-SE-WN-SE-WN-SE-W
4 W−1 A1006.000.0014-Lipp-Kloecker2-Meinking-Murdock
4 W4 A6203.003.003-Vanstone-Gibler13-Kobida-Burns
4 W4 A6203.003.005-Petersen-Booker11-Lin-Hubka
4 E4 76203.003.006-Hall-Runda7-Lichtenberger-Terbrueggen
4 E4 56203.003.008-Hoffman-Roark1-Ibarra-Campbell
4 W4 A6203.003.0010-Barron-Wolf4-Kammer-Zimmer
5 W5 86500.006.009-Kereiakes-Kereiakes12-Felson-Brown

When your partner opens 1  and you have a four-card major, you're going to bid it unless you have longer Diamonds (five or more) and an opening hand or better (see West's hand above). With this hand, you'll respond 1  (forcing and unlimited). Partner, thinking you don't have a four-card major, will often rebid 1 NT unless they have an unbalanced hand. Partner's 1 NT rebid is alertable if you have this agreement, since your opponents will think your partner doesn't have a four-card major either. When you now rebid 2  or 2 , everyone at the table will wake up, since you're showing game-going values, longer Diamonds, and a four-card major. Your bid is forcing to game. If this is your agreement, make sure you mark "Frequently bypass 4+" on your convention card. Don't hide a 5-card major to show a 6-card Diamond suit--that's crazy talk.

E/W lose one Heart trick and two Spades, making four. It's hard to get to the Diamond slam, and it's not a particularly good one needing Diamonds to be 2-2. If North doesn't lead their  A, E/W will make five when declarer pitches the  K on a high Club. Oops.


Board 7
South Deals
Both Vul
A 10 8
Q 10
A 7 6 3 2
J 9 5
K J
9 6 5 4 3
9 8
A 10 3 2
N
WE
S
7 6 5 3 2
J 8 7
K J 4
K Q
Q 9 4
A K 2
Q 10 5
8 7 6 4

EW 2; NS 1N; NS 2; NS 1; NS 1; Par −110

WestNorthEastSouth
   Pass
PassPassPass 

ContractLeadScoreMatchpointsPairPair
    N-SE-WN-SE-WN-SE-W
2 W−3 53006.000.005-Petersen-Booker10-Barron-Wolf
1 E−2 82005.001.006-Hall-Runda11-Lin-Hubka
1 NTW−1 21003.502.501-Ibarra-Campbell12-Felson-Brown
2 E−1 Q1003.502.509-Kereiakes-Kereiakes2-Meinking-Murdock
2 S2 9902.004.0014-Lipp-Kloecker3-Vanstone-Gibler
PassPass0.505.507-Lichtenberger-Terbrueggen8-Hoffman-Roark
PassPass0.505.5013-Kobida-Burns4-Kammer-Zimmer

Yawn.


Board 8
West Deals
None Vul
A 5 4 3
K 7 2
Q 10 9 5 2
10
Q 8 2
J 9 4 3
6 3
9 8 7 2
N
WE
S
K J 10 7 6
10
A K 4
Q J 6 5
9
A Q 8 6 5
J 8 7
A K 4 3

NS 4; NS 4; NS 1N; EW 1; Par +420

WestNorthEastSouth
PassPass1 2 
2 3 Pass4 
PassPassPass 

ContractLeadScoreMatchpointsPairPair
    N-SE-WN-SE-WN-SE-W
3 S4 21706.000.006-Hall-Runda11-Lin-Hubka
4 N4 101305.001.0014-Lipp-Kloecker3-Vanstone-Gibler
4 S−1 Q503.502.505-Petersen-Booker10-Barron-Wolf
4 S−1 2503.502.509-Kereiakes-Kereiakes2-Meinking-Murdock
4 S−2 21002.004.001-Ibarra-Campbell12-Felson-Brown
2 E2 A1100.505.507-Lichtenberger-Terbrueggen8-Hoffman-Roark
2 E2 81100.505.5013-Kobida-Burns4-Kammer-Zimmer

South's 4  bid is a bit aggressive, but it works here. N/S lose one Heart trick and two Diamonds, making four. It does West no good to ruff a Diamond, since it's at the cost of a natural trump trick. West will lead the  2 (small from an honor). Declarer's best line is to win the  A, ruff a Spade, play off the  A and  K (pitching a Spade from dummy), ruff a Club low, ruff another Spade low, and ruff their last Club low. With seven tricks in the bag,  K in dummy, and  AQ8 in their hand, it might be time to claim.


Board 9
North Deals
E-W Vul
4
K Q 5 2
A K 9 6
K 8 3 2
A Q J 9 7
10 3
10 5 4 3
Q 4
N
WE
S
K 5 2
A 6
Q J 8
J 10 9 6 5
10 8 6 3
J 9 8 7 4
7 2
A 7

NS 4; NS 1N; EW 1; Par +420

WestNorthEastSouth
 1 Pass1 
1 3 PassPass
Pass   

ContractLeadScoreMatchpointsPairPair
    N-SE-WN-SE-WN-SE-W
4 S5 Q4506.000.0013-Kobida-Burns4-Kammer-Zimmer
4 S4 Q4204.002.006-Hall-Runda11-Lin-Hubka
4 S4 Q4204.002.007-Lichtenberger-Terbrueggen8-Hoffman-Roark
4 N4 J4204.002.0014-Lipp-Kloecker3-Vanstone-Gibler
3 ×W−1 K2002.004.001-Ibarra-Campbell12-Felson-Brown
3 S3 Q1401.005.009-Kereiakes-Kereiakes2-Meinking-Murdock
2 W−1 A1000.006.005-Petersen-Booker10-Barron-Wolf

North tries to get their partner's attention, but South isn't interested. West's best lead is a trump. East should win the  A and continue with a second trump. N/S will collect two Club tricks, two Diamonds, one trump, and five ruffs, making four.


Board 10
East Deals
Both Vul
9 5
K
A K 4 3
A 10 9 5 4 3
A J 10 6 3
8 7 4
9 6 5
J 2
N
WE
S
K Q 4
A 10 6 3 2
Q J 8
K 6
8 7 2
Q J 9 5
10 7 2
Q 8 7

EW 2; EW 1N; NS 2; NS 2; EW 1; Par −110

WestNorthEastSouth
  1 NT1Pass
2 2Pass2 Pass
Pass3 PassPass
Pass   
  1. 15 to 17
  2. Transfer

ContractLeadScoreMatchpointsPairPair
    N-SE-WN-SE-WN-SE-W
3 E−1 Q1004.002.001-Ibarra-Campbell3-Vanstone-Gibler
3 E−1 71004.002.002-Meinking-Murdock12-Felson-Brown
3 E−1 71004.002.008-Hoffman-Roark9-Kereiakes-Kereiakes
3 E−1 71004.002.0011-Lin-Hubka7-Lichtenberger-Terbrueggen
3 E−1 81004.002.0014-Lipp-Kloecker4-Kammer-Zimmer
2 E2 Q1101.005.0013-Kobida-Burns5-Petersen-Booker
2 E3 Q1400.006.0010-Barron-Wolf6-Hall-Runda

North shouldn't insert a 3  bid the first time through, since West's hand is unlimited. When West passes East's 2  response, 3  becomes much safer. It's doubtful that E/W will find a double, so 3  ends up working when N/S lose one Club trick, two Spades, and one Heart, making three. Why does it say that N/S can take only eight tricks? Well, to defeat the contract, East has to lead a Spade to West on opening lead, and West has to return the  6 (MUD). Declarer will rise with the  A and lead the  A and another Club, East winning the  K. The  Q is next, declarer winning, and the  K is played to the  A, but East can now cash their good Diamond and high Spade. All other defensive schemes end up failing when declarer pitches their two slow Diamond losers on dummy's  QJ.


Board 11
South Deals
None Vul
10 9
K Q 2
J 8 6 3
J 9 6 4
8 6 4
A 8 3
7
A K Q 10 8 7
N
WE
S
Q 7 3 2
J 10 9 6 5
K 5
5 2
A K J 5
7 4
A Q 10 9 4 2
3

NS 3N; NS 5; NS 2; E 1; NS 1; Par +400

WestNorthEastSouth
   1 
2 2 Pass2 
Pass2 NTPass3 NT
PassPassPass 

ContractLeadScoreMatchpointsPairPair
    N-SE-WN-SE-WN-SE-W
5 S5 A4006.000.0013-Kobida-Burns5-Petersen-Booker
3 ×E−2 33004.501.501-Ibarra-Campbell3-Vanstone-Gibler
4 ×W−2 K3004.501.502-Meinking-Murdock12-Felson-Brown
4 S5 71502.004.008-Hoffman-Roark9-Kereiakes-Kereiakes
3 S5 A1502.004.0010-Barron-Wolf6-Hall-Runda
3 E−3 A1502.004.0011-Lin-Hubka7-Lichtenberger-Terbrueggen
3 NTN−2 51000.006.0014-Lipp-Kloecker4-Kammer-Zimmer

5  would have been a more comfortable "bad" contract needing only 2-1 Diamonds with the  K with East, but what can you do? N/S take six Diamond tricks, one Club, and two Spades, making three. East will lead the  5, and West will probably rattle off three high Clubs and give North their Club trick. When the Diamond hook is on, nine tricks are there for the taking (ten if declarer is extra drunk and finesses against East's  Q).


Board 12
West Deals
N-S Vul
10 7 4
A K 7 4 2
Q 7 3 2
A
6 3 2
Q 8
J 9 8 6
9 4 3 2
N
WE
S
A K 9 8
9 5
K 5
K Q 8 6 5
Q J 5
J 10 6 3
A 10 4
J 10 7

NS 4; NS 2N; NS 2; EW 2; EW 1; Par +500: EW 4×−3; EW 5×−3

WestNorthEastSouth
Pass1 Dbl12 2
Pass3 PassPass
Pass   
  1. A bit of an awkward hand to bid
  2. Alert, artificial BROMAD bid showing 4+ Hearts and 7-9 HCP

ContractLeadScoreMatchpointsPairPair
    N-SE-WN-SE-WN-SE-W
4 N4 A6206.000.002-Meinking-Murdock12-Felson-Brown
3 NTN3 K6005.001.008-Hoffman-Roark9-Kereiakes-Kereiakes
2 N4 A1704.002.0014-Lipp-Kloecker4-Kammer-Zimmer
3 N3 A1403.003.0013-Kobida-Burns5-Petersen-Booker
4 E−2 61002.004.0011-Lin-Hubka7-Lichtenberger-Terbrueggen
3 S−1 31000.505.501-Ibarra-Campbell3-Vanstone-Gibler
4 N−1 A1000.505.5010-Barron-Wolf6-Hall-Runda

N/S don't want to be in game on this hand needing (1) Spades to be 4-3, (2) Hearts to be 2-2, (3) and the  K to be doubleton. If my arithmetic is right, that's somewhere around –5% (hmm.....maybe I forgot to carry the one). East will lead the  K (asking for count).


Board 13
North Deals
Both Vul
4
A Q J 10 5
9 7 6 5 4
Q J
A K 8 2
K
K J 10
A 10 9 8 4
N
WE
S
Q 10 7 6
9 7 6 4 3 2
8 3
2
J 9 5 3
8
A Q 2
K 7 6 5 3

E 4; W 3; S 1N; NS 2; EW 1; EW 1; Par −620

WestNorthEastSouth
 1 1Pass1 
Pass22 PassPass
Pass3   
  1. Rule of 20 opener
  2. What else?
  3. What else?

ContractLeadScoreMatchpointsPairPair
    N-SE-WN-SE-WN-SE-W
3 NTW−4 44006.000.009-Kereiakes-Kereiakes1-Ibarra-Campbell
2 N2 2904.501.5011-Lin-Hubka8-Hoffman-Roark
2 N2 2904.501.5014-Lipp-Kloecker5-Petersen-Booker
2 N−1 61002.503.502-Meinking-Murdock4-Kammer-Zimmer
3 S−1 A1002.503.503-Vanstone-Gibler12-Felson-Brown
3 N−2 22000.505.507-Lichtenberger-Terbrueggen10-Barron-Wolf
2 N−2 22000.505.5013-Kobida-Burns6-Hall-Runda

It will be hard for West to resist bidding on this hand, but consider this--with 18 HCP and the opponents claiming somewhere around 20 on the auction, how may does partner have? If West doubles, East is going to bid Hearts. If E/W aren't in Hearts, they're going to be in Clubs....or notrump.....or some other bad contract. Once South gets their 1  bid in, it's VERY difficult for E/W to land in Spades.

N/S take eight tricks in a Diamond contract, but it won't be easy. East will lead the  2 to West's  A, and West will return the T asking for a Spade return. East ruffs and dutifully returns the  6 to West's  K. A third Club is now played, but declarer can ruff with the  9, and the only additional tricks for the defense will be West's two high trump, making two.


Board 14
East Deals
None Vul
J
A K 9 6 5
Q 10 9 8 7
4 2
9 8 5 2
J 10 8 3
J 3
Q 10 8
N
WE
S
A Q
Q 7 4
A 6 5 2
A K 5 3
K 10 7 6 4 3
2
K 4
J 9 7 6

EW 1N; EW 1; NS 1; EW 1; Par −90

WestNorthEastSouth
  1 2 1
PassPassDbl2Pass
PassPass  
  1. Weak jump overcall
  2. Do something smart, partner

ContractLeadScoreMatchpointsPairPair
    N-SE-WN-SE-WN-SE-W
3 W−2 J1005.500.507-Lichtenberger-Terbrueggen10-Barron-Wolf
2 NTE−2 61005.500.5013-Kobida-Burns6-Hall-Runda
2 NTE−1 2504.002.002-Meinking-Murdock4-Kammer-Zimmer
2 S−1 J503.003.009-Kereiakes-Kereiakes1-Ibarra-Campbell
2 S−2 J1002.004.003-Vanstone-Gibler12-Felson-Brown
2 NTE2 61201.005.0011-Lin-Hubka8-Hoffman-Roark
3 N−3 A1500.006.0014-Lipp-Kloecker5-Petersen-Booker

If East bids 2 NT over South's preemptive Spade bid, they may accidentally make it when South unwittingly leads a Spade. If E/W decide to defend, and if West finds the lead of a small Spade to East's  A, and if East returns a small Club at trick two, E/W will collect two Spade tricks, four Clubs, and one Diamond, down two doubled for –300. Ouch.


Board 15
South Deals
N-S Vul
9
A J 7 4
K 7 4 2
K J 8 5
A K Q 7 6 5
9
3
A Q 7 4 2
N
WE
S
8 3 2
K 10
A 10 9 8 5
9 6 3
J 10 4
Q 8 6 5 3 2
Q J 6
10

EW 4; EW 3N; NS 2; EW 3; EW 1; Par −420

WestNorthEastSouth
   Pass
1 Dbl2 12 
4 PassPassPass
  1. Alert, artificial BROMAD bid showing exactly three Spades and 7-9 HCP

ContractLeadScoreMatchpointsPairPair
    N-SE-WN-SE-WN-SE-W
4 W−2 21006.000.003-Vanstone-Gibler12-Felson-Brown
4 W−1 9505.001.002-Meinking-Murdock4-Kammer-Zimmer
4 S−1 A1004.002.0014-Lipp-Kloecker5-Petersen-Booker
4 W4 A4202.004.009-Kereiakes-Kereiakes1-Ibarra-Campbell
4 W4 44202.004.0011-Lin-Hubka8-Hoffman-Roark
4 W4 44202.004.0013-Kobida-Burns6-Hall-Runda
4 W5 94500.006.007-Lichtenberger-Terbrueggen10-Barron-Wolf

E/W lose one Heart trick and two Clubs, making four. North has a tough lead, and might lead a trump.


Board 16
West Deals
E-W Vul
J 8 7 6 2
10 4 3
6 5 4
6 2
A K 5 4
Q 9 7
Q 10 8
J 7 3
N
WE
S
9 3
A K 8 2
A K 7 3
K 9 5
Q 10
J 6 5
J 9 2
A Q 10 8 4

EW 5N; E 5; W 4; E 5; W 4; E 4; EW 2; W 3; Par −660

WestNorthEastSouth
1 Pass1 Pass
1 Pass2 1Pass
2 2Pass3 NT3Pass
PassPass  
  1. Alert, artificial XYZ bid creating a game force
  2. Showing a third Heart
  3. Showing a hand too big to bid 3 NT over 1 

ContractLeadScoreMatchpointsPairPair
    N-SE-WN-SE-WN-SE-W
5 NTW−1 81006.000.0010-Barron-Wolf8-Hoffman-Roark
3 NTW4 66305.001.001-Ibarra-Campbell2-Meinking-Murdock
4 E5 Q6504.002.0014-Lipp-Kloecker6-Hall-Runda
3 NTE5 46601.504.503-Vanstone-Gibler5-Petersen-Booker
3 NTW5 66601.504.504-Kammer-Zimmer12-Felson-Brown
3 NTE5 86601.504.5011-Lin-Hubka9-Kereiakes-Kereiakes
3 NTE5 86601.504.5013-Kobida-Burns7-Lichtenberger-Terbrueggen

If East had bid 3 NT after West's 1  rebid, it would have shown a hand with exactly four Hearts and approximately 13-15 HCP. Since East had a bit more, it made sense to temporize with 2  to create a game force in case partner had more to say. West didn't, and 3 NT was the final contract.

E/W take two Spade tricks, four Hearts, four Diamonds, and one Club, making five. South may lead a small Club. If they don't, declarer will cash all of their winners, pitching two Spades from dummy in the process. At trick 11, declarer can simply exit with a Club, and South will have to give a Club trick back at trick 13.


Board 17
North Deals
None Vul
8 5
A K Q 10 7 3
A Q 7 4
A
A Q J 10 6 4
J 9 6
J 6
6 2
N
WE
S
9 7 3
8 5 2
K 10 9 8 3
J 3
K 2
4
5 2
K Q 10 9 8 7 5 4

S 6; N 5; S 2N; NS 2; N 1N; S 2; N 1; Par +920

WestNorthEastSouth
 1 Pass1 NT1
3 24 3Pass5 4
PassPassPass 
  1. Forcing
  2. Weak jump overcall
  3. Showing a hand that would have made a jump shift
  4. Let's play here

ContractLeadScoreMatchpointsPairPair
    N-SE-WN-SE-WN-SE-W
6 N7 109406.000.0014-Lipp-Kloecker6-Hall-Runda
5 S6 64204.501.503-Vanstone-Gibler5-Petersen-Booker
4 N4 104204.501.5010-Barron-Wolf8-Hoffman-Roark
4 S5 Q1503.003.001-Ibarra-Campbell2-Meinking-Murdock
3 N−1 3502.004.0013-Kobida-Burns7-Lichtenberger-Terbrueggen
5 N−3 71500.505.504-Kammer-Zimmer12-Felson-Brown
6 S−3 31500.505.5011-Lin-Hubka9-Kereiakes-Kereiakes

North is tempted to bid 6 , but that's problematic when they're staring at two dead Spades. If West leads the  A or the  J, N/S will make six. If West leads anything else, N/S will make seven. Let's pretend that West leads a trump. Declarer wins in dummy with the  A, cashes the  A, and ruffs a small Heart to their hand. After pulling trump, declarer can play a Diamond to dummy's  A and pitch their hand on dummy's Hearts.


Board 18
East Deals
N-S Vul
Q 10 4
J 10 9 8 7
9 8
J 5 4
K J 8
6 5 2
10 3 2
K Q 6 3
N
WE
S
A 6 5 2
4 3
K J 7 5
9 7 2
9 7 3
A K Q
A Q 6 4
A 10 8

NS 3; NS 1N; S 1; NS 1; Par +140

WestNorthEastSouth
  Pass1 
Pass1 1Pass2 NT2
Pass3 3Pass3 4
Pass3 5PassPass
Pass   
  1. Worth stretching to get a bid in
  2. Showing 18-19 HCP
  3. Alert, artificial Wolff Sign-Off bid asking partner to bid 3 
  4. Alert, forced bid
  5. To play

ContractLeadScoreMatchpointsPairPair
    N-SE-WN-SE-WN-SE-W
4 N4 96206.000.001-Ibarra-Campbell2-Meinking-Murdock
3 N4 A1705.001.004-Kammer-Zimmer12-Felson-Brown
3 N3 91404.002.0014-Lipp-Kloecker6-Hall-Runda
1 S2 K903.003.003-Vanstone-Gibler5-Petersen-Booker
4 N−1 51001.504.5010-Barron-Wolf8-Hoffman-Roark
2 NTS−1 31001.504.5013-Kobida-Burns7-Lichtenberger-Terbrueggen
4 N−2 22000.006.0011-Lin-Hubka9-Kereiakes-Kereiakes

North decides to be adventurous and not pass partner's 1  opening. When partner rebids 2 NT, North begins to regret that decision. Luckily, N/S play Wolff Sign-Off. Playing Wolff Sign-Off, North can bid 3  to force partner to bid 3  as a way to slow down the auction. When North now rebids 3 , South knows that North is saying "Hey, we probably don't want to be in game, since I bid 1  with a HORRIBLE hand!" South, with a flat hand, wisely passes.

N/S lose two Club tricks and two Spades, making three. East may lead the  7 (MUD).


Board 19
South Deals
E-W Vul
J 7 5 3
7 6 4 2
K J 5 4 3
Q 9
Q 10
A Q 10 9 8 7
Q 6 2
N
WE
S
10 6 4 2
A J
K J 5 4 2
8 7
A K 8
K 9 8 5 3
6 3
A 10 9

NS 6; NS 6; NS 4; EW 2; Par +980

WestNorthEastSouth
   1 
2 13 25 Pass
Pass5 PassPass
Pass   
  1. Showing a full opener
  2. Weak jump raise

ContractLeadScoreMatchpointsPairPair
    N-SE-WN-SE-WN-SE-W
4 S6 A4805.500.502-Meinking-Murdock3-Vanstone-Gibler
4 S6 94805.500.5012-Felson-Brown5-Petersen-Booker
5 S5 A4504.002.0014-Lipp-Kloecker7-Lichtenberger-Terbrueggen
2 S6 102302.503.504-Kammer-Zimmer6-Hall-Runda
3 S6 22302.503.508-Hoffman-Roark13-Kobida-Burns
4 W−2 62001.005.001-Ibarra-Campbell11-Lin-Hubka
3 S4 A1700.006.0010-Barron-Wolf9-Kereiakes-Kereiakes

Who says that 19 HCP aren't enough for slam? That's not rhetorical--I really want to know. N/S lose one Heart trick, making six. West may lead the  A, and declarer will ruff in dummy. A Heart to the  K and another Heart are next, and when the  Q is with West the hand is over.


Board 20
West Deals
Both Vul
Q 6 4
10 9 2
A 8 7 2
10 8 5
K 10 8 7 2
7 3
10 5 4
K J 9
N
WE
S
A 3
A J 8 5 4
K 6 3
4 3 2
J 9 5
K Q 6
Q J 9
A Q 7 6

EW 2; EW 2; EW 1; EW 1; Par −110

WestNorthEastSouth
PassPass1 1 NT1
PassPassPass 
  1. 15 to 18

ContractLeadScoreMatchpointsPairPair
    N-SE-WN-SE-WN-SE-W
2 W−1 A1006.000.004-Kammer-Zimmer6-Hall-Runda
1 NTS−1 71003.003.001-Ibarra-Campbell11-Lin-Hubka
1 NTS−1 71003.003.002-Meinking-Murdock3-Vanstone-Gibler
1 NTS−1 71003.003.008-Hoffman-Roark13-Kobida-Burns
1 NTS−1 21003.003.0010-Barron-Wolf9-Kereiakes-Kereiakes
1 NTS−1 31003.003.0014-Lipp-Kloecker7-Lichtenberger-Terbrueggen
1 NTS−2 72000.006.0012-Felson-Brown5-Petersen-Booker

West thinks momentarily about bidding 2  over South's 1 NT overcall, but elects to pass. That works out well, when 1 NT goes down two. West will lead a small Spade to East's  A, East will return a Spade to West's  K, and West will clear the Spade suit by playing the  2 (showing an entry in the lowest ranking side suit). When in with the  K and the  A, East will return Clubs each time, and E/W will end up with four Spade tricks, one Heart, one Diamond, and one Club.


Board 21
North Deals
N-S Vul
K 8 7
Q 10 8 7 6 5 2
10 4 3
A 10 9 3
10 8 3
A 3
A K 6 5
N
WE
S
Q 6 2
Q 9 7 6 5 4 2
9
8 2
J 5 4
A K J
K J 4
Q J 9 7

EW 3; W 2; NS 1N; E 1; NS 1; EW 1; Par −140

WestNorthEastSouth
 Pass1Pass1 NT2
Pass2 NT3Pass3 4
Dbl5Pass3 Dbl6
PassPassPass 
  1. Not a vulnerable preempt
  2. 15 to 17
  3. Alert, artificial four-suit transfer bid asking partner to bid 3 
  4. Alert, showing Axx, Kxx, Qxx, or any four Diamonds
  5. Sensing the auction is about to end
  6. Oops

ContractLeadScoreMatchpointsPairPair
    N-SE-WN-SE-WN-SE-W
4 ×E−2 73006.000.008-Hoffman-Roark13-Kobida-Burns
4 E−2 41005.001.0010-Barron-Wolf9-Kereiakes-Kereiakes
3 S−1 A1003.003.001-Ibarra-Campbell11-Lin-Hubka
4 NTS−1 K1003.003.002-Meinking-Murdock3-Vanstone-Gibler
3 N−1 81003.003.004-Kammer-Zimmer6-Hall-Runda
3 N−2 82001.005.0012-Felson-Brown5-Petersen-Booker
5 ×N−2 85000.006.0014-Lipp-Kloecker7-Lichtenberger-Terbrueggen

E/W lose three Heart tricks and one Spade, making three doubled for eleventy million points. It would still be painful if East forgot to bid over 3  doubled. That's going down two for –500 if West starts with the  K followed by the  A and a third Club for partner to ruff.


Board 22
East Deals
E-W Vul
Q 9 8 5 4 3
5
Q J 10 2
J 8
A 6 2
A J 8 7 6 3 2
3
A Q
N
WE
S
K 10 7
Q 9
A K 8 6 5
K 9 6
J
K 10 4
9 7 4
10 7 5 4 3 2

EW 7N; EW 7; EW 4; EW 5; EW 3; Par −2220

WestNorthEastSouth
  1 NT1Pass
4 2Pass4 Pass
4 3Pass4 NT4Pass
5 5Pass5 6Pass
6 PassPassPass
  1. 15 to 17
  2. Transfer
  3. RKC Blackwood (Kickback) for Hearts
  4. 1430 response showing 1 or 4 keycards
  5. Do you have the  Q?
  6. Yes and the  K

ContractLeadScoreMatchpointsPairPair
    N-SE-WN-SE-WN-SE-W
7 E−1 J1006.000.002-Meinking-Murdock11-Lin-Hubka
4 W6 36804.501.503-Vanstone-Gibler4-Kammer-Zimmer
4 W6 Q6804.501.5012-Felson-Brown6-Hall-Runda
3 NTE6 J6903.003.009-Kereiakes-Kereiakes13-Kobida-Burns
4 E7 107102.004.001-Ibarra-Campbell10-Barron-Wolf
7 W7 Q22100.505.505-Petersen-Booker7-Lichtenberger-Terbrueggen
7 E7 J22100.505.5014-Lipp-Kloecker8-Hoffman-Roark

East's 5  bid doesn't deny the  K or the  K, but West, knowing that they're off a keycard, has no desire to be in the grand. South may lead the  J, and declarer will win in their hand. Since the only way the contract is going to fail is on 4-0 Hearts or  Kx with North and a singleton  J with South, declarer elects to take the safety play of  A and a Heart to the  Q. South can win with the  K, but with no way to get to partner for their Spade ruff, declarer's contract is secure.


Board 23
South Deals
Both Vul
K 10 9 3
K Q 9 8
K J 10
3 2
A 8 6
7 5 4 3
8 6 2
Q 6 5
N
WE
S
J 5 4
10 6 2
Q 9
K 9 8 7 4
Q 7 2
A J
A 7 5 4 3
A J 10

NS 6; NS 5N; NS 5; NS 5; NS 3; Par +1370

WestNorthEastSouth
   1 NT1
Pass2 Pass2 
Pass3 NTPassPass
Pass   
  1. 15 to 17

ContractLeadScoreMatchpointsPairPair
    N-SE-WN-SE-WN-SE-W
3 NTS6 76905.500.503-Vanstone-Gibler4-Kammer-Zimmer
3 NTS6 66905.500.509-Kereiakes-Kereiakes13-Kobida-Burns
3 NTS4 86303.502.505-Petersen-Booker7-Lichtenberger-Terbrueggen
3 NTS4 36303.502.5012-Felson-Brown6-Hall-Runda
3 NTS−1 51001.504.502-Meinking-Murdock11-Lin-Hubka
3 NTS−1 51001.504.5014-Lipp-Kloecker8-Hoffman-Roark
3 NTS−2 72000.006.001-Ibarra-Campbell10-Barron-Wolf

N/S take five Diamond tricks, two Clubs, and four Hearts, making five (in other words, E/W will take one Club trick and one Spade). West may lead the  7 (top of nothing in a notrump contract).


Board 24
West Deals
None Vul
9 8 6 4
A Q J 4
3 2
A 8 2
Q 5 3
7 2
10 9 6
K 7 6 5 4
N
WE
S
K J 7 2
10 8
A Q J 5
Q 10 9
A 10
K 9 6 5 3
K 8 7 4
J 3

NS 4; NS 2N; NS 1; NS 1; EW 1; Par +420

WestNorthEastSouth
PassPass1 1 
Pass2 1Pass2 NT2
Pass3 3PassPass
Pass   
  1. Cuebid showing a limit raise in Hearts
  2. Showing a Diamond stopper for notrump and an opening hand
  3. Already bid their hand

ContractLeadScoreMatchpointsPairPair
    N-SE-WN-SE-WN-SE-W
4 S4 54206.000.0014-Lipp-Kloecker8-Hoffman-Roark
3 S4 31703.003.001-Ibarra-Campbell10-Barron-Wolf
3 S4 101703.003.002-Meinking-Murdock11-Lin-Hubka
3 S4 91703.003.003-Vanstone-Gibler4-Kammer-Zimmer
1 S4 101703.003.005-Petersen-Booker7-Lichtenberger-Terbrueggen
2 S4 101703.003.0012-Felson-Brown6-Hall-Runda
4 S−1 3500.006.009-Kereiakes-Kereiakes13-Kobida-Burns

North should bid 4  in a team game, since you want to push for ANY game that you can even sniff. In Matchpoints, you want a positive score, and game isn't likely with 11 opposite 11.

N/S lose one Spade trick, one Diamond, and one Club, making four. West will lead the T.


Board 25
North Deals
E-W Vul
Q J
A K 4
K Q 7
9 7 5 4 3
9 6 5 3 2
8 6 5 3
9 2
A 10
N
WE
S
A 8 4
Q J 9 2
A J 8
J 6 2
K 10 7
10 7
10 6 5 4 3
K Q 8

EW 2; NS 2; NS 2; EW 1; Par −100: NS 3×−1; NS 3×−1

WestNorthEastSouth
 1 NT1Pass2 
Pass2 Pass2 NT2
PassPassPass 
  1. 15 to 17
  2. Alert, may or may not have a 4-card major

ContractLeadScoreMatchpointsPairPair
    N-SE-WN-SE-WN-SE-W
1 ×N3 23406.000.004-Kammer-Zimmer5-Petersen-Booker
1 NTN1 2905.001.0011-Lin-Hubka3-Vanstone-Gibler
2 NTN−1 Q502.503.501-Ibarra-Campbell13-Kobida-Burns
1 NTN−1 2502.503.506-Hall-Runda8-Hoffman-Roark
2 NTN−1 Q502.503.5010-Barron-Wolf2-Meinking-Murdock
2 NTN−1 2502.503.5012-Felson-Brown7-Lichtenberger-Terbrueggen
3 NTN−2 Q1000.006.0014-Lipp-Kloecker9-Kereiakes-Kereiakes

This hand is a little brutal for N/S, and they will likely go down two on inspired defense. East should lead the  A and continue Spades. Declarer can win, but they'll be limited to two Spade tricks, two Hearts, one Diamond, and one Club, down two. Ugh.


Board 26
East Deals
Both Vul
K 7
Q 10 5 4 2
A K 7 5 4
3
Q J 10 6 2
A 8
Q 2
J 10 9 8
N
WE
S
9 5 3
J 9 7
10 8 6 3
A 5 2
A 8 4
K 6 3
J 9
K Q 7 6 4

NS 4; NS 3N; NS 3; NS 2; NS 1; Par +620

WestNorthEastSouth
  Pass1 
1 2 12 3 
Pass4 PassPass
Pass   
  1. Showing 5+ Hearts and 10+ Points (Five & Dime)

ContractLeadScoreMatchpointsPairPair
    N-SE-WN-SE-WN-SE-W
4 N4 36205.500.504-Kammer-Zimmer5-Petersen-Booker
4 N4 A6205.500.5014-Lipp-Kloecker9-Kereiakes-Kereiakes
4 N−1 51002.503.501-Ibarra-Campbell13-Kobida-Burns
3 NTS−1 Q1002.503.506-Hall-Runda8-Hoffman-Roark
4 N−1 31002.503.5010-Barron-Wolf2-Meinking-Murdock
4 N−1 51002.503.5012-Felson-Brown7-Lichtenberger-Terbrueggen
3 NTN−4 34000.006.0011-Lin-Hubka3-Vanstone-Gibler

N/S lose one Heart trick, one Club, and one Diamond, making four if East finds the lead of a small Heart and West continues Hearts at trick two.


Board 27
South Deals
None Vul
A Q 3 2
K 5 3
Q 4
A 10 6 2
6 5
9 8 7
10 8 5
K J 9 8 7
N
WE
S
A J 10 4 2
A K J 6 2
Q 4 3
K J 10 9 8 7 4
Q 6
9 7 3
5

NS 4; EW 4; EW 4; EW 3; NS 1N; Par +100: EW 5×−1; EW 5×−1

WestNorthEastSouth
   3 
Pass4 PassPass
Pass   

ContractLeadScoreMatchpointsPairPair
    N-SE-WN-SE-WN-SE-W
4 ×S4 95905.500.501-Ibarra-Campbell13-Kobida-Burns
4 ×S4 95905.500.504-Kammer-Zimmer5-Petersen-Booker
4 S4 84203.502.5011-Lin-Hubka3-Vanstone-Gibler
4 S4 A4203.502.5012-Felson-Brown7-Lichtenberger-Terbrueggen
4 NTE−6 J3002.004.0010-Barron-Wolf2-Meinking-Murdock
5 E−2 J1001.005.006-Hall-Runda8-Hoffman-Roark
5 ×S−1 91000.006.0014-Lipp-Kloecker9-Kereiakes-Kereiakes

East almost pulls the trigger on a 4 NT bid as a takeout double after 4 , but ends up passing in a huff. A double of 4  on this auction should be played as penalty oriented (cooperative). If partner wants to pass the double and defend, that's fine. 4 NT should be "Hey, pick a suit you lunkhead!"

N/S lose one Heart trick and two Diamonds, making four. West may lead the  5 (low from an honor).


WestNorthEastSouth
PassPass1 Dbl
PassPassPass 

North passes South's takeout double, although there are times when that would be disastrous. A better hand for a pass would be  QJT987  762 T4  83. THAT hand, with four defensive tricks in a Spade contract, looks like a pass of 1  doubled.

E/W lose two Club tricks, two Diamonds, two Hearts, and two Spades, down two doubled for –300. South should lead a trump.


WestNorthEastSouth
 PassPass1 
Pass1 NT1Pass2 
Pass3 PassPass
Pass   
  1. Semi-forcing

South can choose to pass North's 1 NT response if they have a hand too weak to open in first or second seat and a balanced or semi-balanced hand. Not true in this case. N/S lose one Spade trick and two Hearts, making four. West will lead the  K and switch to a trump at trick two.


WestNorthEastSouth
  Pass1 
Pass1 Pass1 NT
Pass2 1Pass2 2
Pass2 3PassPass
Pass   
  1. Alert, artificial XYZ bid asking partner to bid 2 
  2. Alert, artificial XYZ forced bid
  3. Showing an invitational hand with exactly five Spades

N/S lose one Spade trick, two Hearts, and one Diamond, making three. East may lead the T, but as long as they lead a Heart when back in with the  A, N/S will be held to three.


WestNorthEastSouth
   Pass
3 Pass5 Pass
PassPass  

North will lead the  4, declarer will play low from dummy, and win the  J with the  Q. Realizing that the  4 is VERY likely to be a singleton, declarer will decide that finessing North for the  K is too risky. If South wins the  K, a Spade through would defeat the contract as would a Diamond ruff. With that in mind, they'll play a Club to the  A, and when the  K falls, the hand is over. Declarer will pull trump in two more rounds and run dummy's Diamonds pitching their two losing Spades, making seven.


WestNorthEastSouth
Pass1 NT1PassPass
Pass   
  1. 15 to 17

N/S take two Spade tricks, two Diamonds, three Clubs, and one Heart, making two. East may lead the  A and continue Hearts at tricks two and three. Declarer has to be careful to not let East back in with the  Q, but that shouldn't be too difficult.


WestNorthEastSouth
 PassPassPass
1 NT1Pass2 2Pass
2 Pass2 NTPass
3 PassPassPass
  1. 15 to 17
  2. Transfer

E/W lose two Spade tricks, one Heart, and one Club, making three. North may lead a trump.


WestNorthEastSouth
  1 Pass
1 Pass2 NTPass
4 1Pass4 2Pass
5 3Pass5 4Pass
6 NT5PassPassPass
  1. RKC Blackwood (Kickback) for Diamonds
  2. 1430 response showing 1 or 4 keycards
  3. Do you have the  Q?
  4. Nope, sorry
  5. Let's try this one

West figures that if 6  is making when E/W don't have the  Q, then 6 NT is also making (i.e., East has 14-16 HCP outside of Diamonds). When the  Q comes down on the second round, the hand is over, with E/W taking two Spade tricks, three Hearts, six Diamonds, and two Clubs, making seven. South may lead a small Heart, although nothing matters.


WestNorthEastSouth
   1 NT1
Pass2 Pass2 
Pass4 2Pass4 3
Pass5 4Pass5 5
Pass6 NTPassPass
Pass   
  1. 15 to 17
  2. Gerber
  3. Showing two Aces
  4. Gerber King ask
  5. Showing two Kings

North makes a stab at finding a Heart fit, and when that fails to pan out, uses Gerber to check for Aces and Kings. N/S take four Heart tricks, five Clubs, one Diamond, and two Spades, making six. 6  would be a much safer contract, but that's tough to find. West has a tough lead, and if they lead a Spade, N/S will make seven.


WestNorthEastSouth
1 Pass3 1Dbl2
4 PassPassPass
  1. Alert, artificial Bergen bid showing a limit raise with 4+ Spades
  2. Please lead a Club

E/W lose one Spade trick and one Diamond, making five. North will lead the  5 (low from an honor).