Double double game swing

[Jinksy]

I don't think there's a moral to this, but it was an entertaining hand:

 

[hv=pc=n&s=sakqt86h9djt872c3&w=s9753hat76543d5c2&n=sj2hq2daq94ckj984&e=s4hkj8dk63caqt765&d=e&v=e&b=6&a=1c1sp1n2c2d4hpp4sdppr5hdppp]399|300[/hv]

 

IMP pairs. The actual sequence after 4♠ was X P P lead facedown, XX by S on the principle that no-one was going to deprive him of his rightful call. West was a pro, whose double can be explained by him being about 5 whiskies into the evening. North had no idea whether either his 1N or X were correct, but didn't want to be left out of the entertainment.

 

Both 4♠ and 5♥ were making, so South's redouble was one of the more costly actions I've seen in the history of bridge (especially if you count N's double as one of the consequences).

[rmnka447]

I think North's hand is too strong for a 1 NT advance. I think the two bids North should consider are either 2 NT or 2 ♣.

 

North does have a 13 count and 2 QTs. ♥ also could be a problem at NT, so I'd lean towards a 2 ♣ advance to see what partner says. Once North does that there's less pressure to make a "make up" double of 5 ♥.

 

South let emotion get the better of him/her because of a minor irregularity. I'd be delighted to be playing 4 ♠x with that hand. As a corollary to passing when you know the opponents are in a bad contract so they can't run, when you're in a good spot, one shouldn't do anything that may let the opponents push you out of it. 4 ♠ making rates to be an IMP winner.

 

Good hand and story though.