These
are strange times we live in, and strange things happen in the
lockdown league.
After
two passes West opened a very weak two diamonds, perhaps
influenced by the vulnerability. North doubled with his
flat 20 count.
East
reasonably raised to three diamonds, leaving South with a
difficult bid. He decided to show values with no clear
direction by doubling.
North
might well have passed this and taken an easy 800 but then
there would have been no story. Instead he produced a
mysterious four diamond bid.
South
had to bid something and chose his lowest three card suit.
Other
players may reach three notrump (10 top tricks) or five clubs
(making fairly easily) but the lure of the three-three fit was
too much for our heroes.
West
led a club. South won and played a heart to the queen,
then the ace of hearts and a third heart. It was too
late now, East tried the king of diamonds but South was in
control, he won and played black suit winners until West
ruffed; the defence had a diamond trick to come but four
hearts made.
Congratulations
to the North South pair for avoiding the non-making
three-three spade fit game.
Thanks to Royce Alexander for reporting this deal. |