Another Double Game Swing...

[WesleyC]

Assign the blame:

 

[hv=d=s&v=n&n=s963hjt4dj5cqjt95&w=s8hakq953dq96c743&e=skth8762dat42ca86&s=saqj7542hdk873ck2]399|300|Scoring: IMP[/hv]

 

The auction was:

 

(1S) 2H (P) 2S

(3D*) 3H (3S) 4H

(4S) P (P) X

AP

 

*This pair play Good/Bad 2NT. 2NT here would show an undisclosed strong 2 suiter.

 

Any blame to assign?

 

Wes

[JLOGIC]

I would never double 4S, but I also wouldn't save so not much blame really, I'm sure I'd go -620.

 

If I were to construct an auction where E-W save it would be east starting with a system bid showing a 4 card LR+ and west then deciding to save unilaterally given his lack of defense but it's a very hard hand.

[JLOGIC]

I will note that if west had bid 4H over 3D, NS might pass it out, but they might not.

[Fluffy]

also note that on perfect derfense declarer has a guess to make. If he decides to play trumps to entry dummy insted of diamonds he will face a ♦A underlead and another guess.

[MFA]

Agree with Justin that east should just sell to 4♠. ♠Kx doesn't look very good if declarer somehow can get to dummy, and it should not be a big surprise to find partner with ♥AKQxxx and see declarer ruff at trick 1 as on the actual layout.

[gnasher]

Curiously, one of the par contracts is 4NTx-1 by East. (5♥ is also one down on careful play.)

 

With the East hand, I think you should bid 4♥ on the first round. The 2♠ bid only gains if our limit is 3♥, and either we're allowed to play there or they can't make 3♠. Neither of these seems that likely. In favour of a direct 4♥ is that it makes it harder for them to judge what to do, especially as I'd make the same bid with two fewer aces and a singleton spade.

Edited July 19, 2010 by gnasher

[andy_h]

Agree that double of 4♠ by East is wishful thinking.

[JLOGIC]

Curiously, one of the par contracts is 4NTx-1 by East. (5♥ is also one down on careful play.)

 

With the East hand, I think you should bid 4♥ on the first round. The 2♠ bid only gains if our limit is 3♥, and either we're allowed to play there or they can't make 3♠. Neither of these seems that likely. In favour of a direct 4♥ is that it makes it harder for them to judge what to do, especially as I'd make the same bid with two fewer aces and a singleton spade.

Yeah if you do this then west will bid 5H over 4S I think.

[Cascade]

2NT here would show an undisclosed strong 2 suiter.

Did 3♦ show a one suiter?

[Cascade]

I will note that if west had bid 4H over 3D, NS might pass it out, but they might not.

4♥ over 3♦ looks clear.

[gnasher]

Yeah if you do this then west will bid 5H over 4S I think.

As East, holding two aces, I wouldn't especially want him to do that. But I'd accept the IMPs anyway.