MADEIRA
BRIDGE
Baffling bidding
Andrew Robson
GLANCING THROUGH a comprehen- sive encyclopaedia of bridge published in 1967, I noticed the dominance of card play technique over bidding. Since then, almost all new developments have been to the bid- ding. All variety of convoluted conventions have been invented to maximise efficiency and confuse the opposition. I'm convinced that these conventions have served to widen the gap between social and tourna- ment bridge; a bridge column that is reporting an international event invariably contains bidding that baffles the casual player, causing a loss of interest. I would love to see a resurgence of interest at the top level in the play of the cards. This week's hand contains a similar theme to a hand from the 1967 encyclopaedia: Dealer South Neither Side Vulnerable
The Bidding
South West North East 6, Pass Pass Pass I approve of South's 611 opening — it will be hard to find out if partner has the right cards for seven, so why give the opponents gratuitous information and a chance to sac- rifice in 64? Declarer won West's +J lead, drew the trumps, cashed his other top club and led a low diamond. When West fol- lowed low without a flicker, South decided he did not have the king, and inserted dummy's ♦8; East won cheaply, but any lead he made could be won in dummy and the contract duly made. Notice that West could have defeated the contract by insert- ing ♦J when South led the low diamond. Can you spot how South can make his con- tract against any defence? He must win the club lead, cash the other club and lead a low heard By sacrificing a heart trick, he ensures that he can reach dummy with V7, where he has two black suit winners to dis- card his two losing diamonds.
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