Tricky Three Notrump

[cargobeep]

Oftentimes, hands in bridge columns tend to be made up, designed so that only a specific line of play will work, sometimes quite ridiculous. But occasionally, a real hand is played that is just as amazing as the made-up ones.

 

The following randomly generated hand was played by people on BBO. About half the teams landed in 3NT-E, after a rather simple auction, yet every single one of these declarers failed to make it:

 

[hv=pc=n&s=sk94hq7dt9874cj93&w=sj2h854daqj62c852&n=s8763ht963dk3caq7&e=saqt5hakj2d5ckt64&d=n&v=0&b=1&a=p1np2np3nppp]399|300[/hv]

 

3NT is the only game West and East can make. The hand is amazing for how complex it is.

 

At first, it may seem that the hand is quite easy: 9 theoretical tricks with the ♣ finesse. But the hand requires a very careful balancing act.

 

Take ♦ tricks at the wrong times, and South can establish their long ♦ suit. Take ♥ tricks at the wrong times, and North can establish their ♥ suit. Lead ♠ too often, and there is no entry to West's hand

 

Almost all variations require West to lead ♣ towards East's ♣ at least once, and most variations need to use West's J♠ as a critical entry to West's hand.

 

Still other variations require endplaying North in ♣ or ♦. No matter the play, the key to making the contract is precise timing. One misstep, and the contract falls apart.

[ggwhiz]

One misstep, and the contract falls apart.

 

I would be very proud of myself to negotiate this one but the above statement best describes my play. Luckily my bidding is better as I consider the 1nt bid to be bizzare and I get to play this in 1nt by pard.

[cargobeep]

I would be very proud of myself to negotiate this one but the above statement best describes my play. Luckily my bidding is better as I consider the 1nt bid to be bizzare and I get to play this in 1nt by pard.

 

Funny enough, the one team that did stop in 1NT managed to take 10 tricks :D