Twelve pairs
participated in the annual Mixed Pairs at Cheadle Hulme on October
18th. The above deal was the most discussed of
the night. The winners of the event were Raymond Semp and
Eve Lighthill tied with Alec Smalley and Barbara Lewis. The above
auction was that of Raymond (South) and Eve (North). Raymond,
with one of the strongest hands ever seen, managed to bid all four
suits including supporting his partner with a void. Six spades
made easily. In six diamonds declarer can ruff a heart in dummy
and just lose a diamond since West cannot lead a trump without
sacrificing a trick. In six notrump (or six diamonds by North on
a trump lead) declarer has to cash all the club and heart winners, then
throw West in with the fourth diamond to force West to lead a
spade. Seven clubs, with the suit breaking three-three is the top
spot. Unsurprisingly no-one bid that. Four pairs got too
high and played in grand slams; the top score was six notrump by South
making.
If West is on lead and believes that you must never lead
from a jack, then play will never start!
