Geldmacher

For one point the West is missing, he has a fifth ♣. This is a trick! The chances of such slams seem to be 50%. I would do it and not complain.

Usually I would double. But there is a strong reason not to do it. If double would be good, the problem would not be here. Why did East not bid 4♠? Or even 6♠? Would he bid 7 with 12♠ and any single? The most would bid 6 I think. 4NT - if it is as blackwood agreed - would not help, because she would not know which ace her P holds. So East seems to have 13♠. Then North holds every point outside ♠ and grand slam is made against every remaining distribution by West. Yes, I would bid 7NT after an hour.

On my observation, they open not only easier (eleven flat points), but their returns are weaker at points (5 or sometimes 4). The reason is that an overlay in the bridge is less punishable than in any other game, on the contrary, to do little to do is to pay. Thus, for example, in the fight France against America II, where the Americans brought their most points in the brazen bidding of partial contracts and scarce slams. So the elite in the bridge always tries to grab the initiative, it costs what it wants.

Yesterday when I played Rubber Bridge, the following situation arose. After pass-pass I offered 3 diamonds, my LHO got big eyes ... and offered 7NT !!! This was his card: ♠ AKQJ1098653 ♥ A ♦ A ♣ A I can not remember a card where I had 12, 11 or even only 10 tricks from the start. What were the best cards you've ever seen?