Brassbound, The Clash Part 2

Hi all

I put aside my trusted battle axe and stretch my aching arms and legs. This match isn’t as easy as expected. And it’s far from over, I still see fervor and frenzy on the faces of my opponents.

North
AKxxx
x
KJx
KJxx

West
North
East
South
 
1
pass
21
pass
32
pass
43
pass
44
pass
4NT
pass
5
pass
6
a.p.
 
 
 

1. Invitational with exactly three or natural
2. Natural, 14+ hcp
3. Splinter, agreeing
4. Cue

North Dealer
– Vul
North
AKxxx
x
KJx
KJxx
West
QTx
Kxxx
xxxx
xx
East
Jx
Jxx
QTxxx
Qxx
South
xxx
AQTxx
A
ATxx

I like Dennis’ (canapé) approach, introducing his four card suit instead of his longer . Of course he still had his three card support to revert to. When I could show a fit with a non-minimum there was no way we could stay out of slam. Trade my Jacks for the Queen of trumps and it’s a fair grand. I wonder if we would have reached slam if the bidding had started with 1 – 2 – 3. Funny, didn’t I write a story lately about the power of the 4-4 fit?

Dennis received a passive lead. After some thought he played quite straightforward: Ace and King of , King of  to discard a , ruff out the Queen and he kept playing high cards until somebody came up with the Queen of trumps. Twelve tricks and no surprises or answers from our opponents’ camp.