Bridge: target at Duplicate Pairs is always maximum tricks, even if contract fails

Do not let pessimism occlude your ultimate goal.

Bidding
Dealer: South
Game Love All

If you play a 15-17/18 points 1NT opener you must, disagreeably, open 1NT with a five-card major since, otherwise, re-bids become strained. Here, South’s 3H response was a mild slam try, and North’s 3S a cue-bid, agreeing hearts. North was minimum, and held only two-card support, but his ace-rich hand meant that he was right to enthuse his partner.

West led K♦ and most declarers feared a horrible decision in trumps. However, when they led 2♥, West produced Q♥ and the contract was secure. 6H making scored well: a third of the field played below that level, but an overtrick would have netted you a score of around 95 per cent.

To achieve this, simply appreciate that if trumps misbehave, you may fail, but you still might have a chance of success if the hand with three trumps also holds four spades; if trumps are kind, an overtrick is likely. Winning the lead, declarer plays first to A♠ and ruffs 4♠ in hand. A trump to A♥ reveals the good news, and 5♠ is ruffed. A trump to J♥ permits a third spade ruff in hand, establishing J♠ as a winner. Having drawn East’s last trump, declarer crosses to A♣ to enjoy his hard-earned J♠, on which he discards 10♦. Thirteen tricks usually produces a big smile.

Find more of Paul Mendelson’s Bridge columns at FT Puzzles and Games