Advanced Declarer Problem of the Month
October, 1999
This month's hand occurred on a popular bridge software program.
MPs
Dealer: South
Vulnerable: Both
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NORTH  A 3 T 5 4 A 9 8 7 6 5 A 9 |
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SOUTH J T 9A K J 2K Q 4 2K 6 |
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| AUCTION | |||
| SOUTH | WEST | NORTH | EAST |
| 1N | 2 |
3N | Pass |
| Pass | Pass | ||
A word about the bidding: West's 2 bid is part of a convention known as DONT (Disturbing Opponent's
Notrump); it shows both hearts and spades and possibly only four cards in one or both of the suits. N-S are playing Lebonsohl in this situation, and the 3N bid
promises values for game, while denying a heart stopper. Unfortunately, N-S were playing that a 3 bid
over 2 would be invitational. Had North been able to bid a forcing
3, a good diamond (or notrump) slam may have been reached.
West leads the 6, you duck, East plays the deuce, and you win in hand with the nine. You can now count
twelve tricks (2 spades, 2 hearts, 6 diamonds, and 2 clubs)--since this is matchpoints, it would behoove you to try for thirteen.
Plan the play.