BRIDGE
Not guilty
Andrew Robson
OPENING the bidding 1NT when holding a five-card major has long been hailed as a crime — especially by bridge teachers. Top players are increasingly happy to flout this. Witness South on the following hand from the recent US Spring Nationals in Ari- zona. He opened 1NT with five hearts fine; but when his partner freely bid hearts, he still refused to disclose his sup- port!
Dealer South Both Vulnerable 4J 106 3 The Bidding South West North 1NT (15-17) 2NT Pass Pass Pass 3V 3NT(') Pass Pass East 3• Pass Double South opened a strong no trump; West bid 2NT — the 'unusual no trump' show- ing both minors. North boldly competed with 3, after the opponents had settled in 3•. South's 3NT was a gamble — let's put it charitably; passing or bidding 4V were more sensible options. East doubled and his partner led •6 to the Q and A. South led a low heart to the Q and A (West dis- carding 47) and East played another dia- mond. Lacking a dummy entry for the marked heart finesse, declarer tried a low spade towards dummy's jack. Had West risen with the king the contract would have gone five down! He ducked. South now played a heart to the 10 and cashed all his hearts. West came down to 4K5 •J and •KQ in the five card ending. Declar- er led a club off dummy and East rose with the A to lead a diamond. Can you see what happened? West could cash a club but was forced to lead a spade from the K at trick 12 to give declarer his eighth and ninth tricks with the 4A and Q.
Let me reveal, with some embarrass- ment, that I was South. This. penny from heaven helped my partner and me to win the tournament!
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