two part problem

[Codo]

[hv=d=n&v=n&s=s763ha76daq2ca863]133|100|Scoring: MP[/hv]

Two part problem:

1. Your South partner opens 1 Club (obviously you don´t play weak NT)

RHO bids a weak two with 2 ♥

What do you bid?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. If you had reached 3 NT at the table, you face the following collection.

 

[hv=d=n&v=n&n=saqt2h543dk98ck54&s=s763ha76daq2ca863]133|200|Scoring: MP[/hv]

East leads the 8 of heart, rho overtakes with the 9. How do you proceed?

West is known to have normally 6 Hearts for his weak two and the lead (They play 2.4) seems consistent with this idea.

 

Your plan is....?

[MikeRJ]

I think I would bid an unscientific 3NT.

 

Regarding the play, I have 7 tricks on top and I think the spade suit is my only realistic chance. Duck the first heart, take the second (confirming 6-1), cash the Ace of spades, back to a diamond then a spade to the 10, later leading to the Queen.

 

This needs both spade honours on side or stiff K or J with East. Given the 6-1 heart split the odds on this are better than usual - close to 40% perhaps? Good enough for a vulnerable game.

 

Mike

[SchTsch]

Well, you can get back to hand with a club also putting the 8 if East doesn't play a higher card.

[lowerline]

2. Win ♥A. ♦ to K, then a ♣. If RHO plays the 2 or the 7, play the 8, else win the A.

2.1 If LHO wins this trick and plays a ♠, play the Q. Test the clubs. If they are 3-3 you have 9 tricks. If they aren't, play a ♠ to the T. Duck if LHO puts in an honor.

2.2 If you had to win the ♣A, play a ♠ to the A. Cross to your hand in ♦. Play another ♠.

 

Steven