DSBA Web Page Declarer Problem of the Month
March, 1999
This month's hand is from an OKBRIDGE IMP Pairs tournament. You are in good position in the event, and one more good result might see you in first position overall.
Dealer: South
Vulnerable: N-S
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NORTH  T K Q 6 3 K Q 8 7 5 A K 5 |
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SOUTH A Q 8A TA J T9 7 6 3 2 |
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AUCTION |
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SOUTH |
WEST |
NORTH |
EAST |
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1NT |
2 |
3 |
Pass |
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3 |
Pass |
4NT(4) |
Pass |
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5 |
Pass |
5NT(6) |
Pass |
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6 |
Pass |
6 |
Pass |
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6NT(9) |
Pass |
Pass |
Pass |
(1) "DONT": Clubs and another suit
(2) General force, tends to ask for a four-card major
(3) Presumably natural, but could be bid in a bind
(4) Roman Key Card Blackwood for diamonds
(5) 0 or 3 Key Cards
(6) Ask for specific kings
(7) No help
(8) One more try for a grand slam
(9) "No thanks."
A word about the bidding: This was not the actual bidding, but hey... we need to find SOME way to get to the interesting contract of 6NT, right? With his heart ruff and good trump spots, maybe South should accept the grand try... but he didn't, and here he is.
West leads the Q. You win the Ace, and (surprisingly enough) East plays the 4. That is frustrating... it means that 6 is virtually cold (you can establish the fifth club for the 12th trick by ruffing the suit good as long as trumps are not 5-0). Unfortunately, you are not in that contract. Plan the play.