Bridge - The Scotsman 02/08/2012

By Liz McGowan
Published on 02/08/2012 00:00

Players have an almost irresistible urge to call rather than pass. On this deal from the Camrose Trophy, when West opened a strong no-trump, North really wanted to take some action. But 2C was a conventional bid showing the majors, so her only serious option was to bid 3C. This would deny interest in other strains, and the vulnerability was a deterrent, so she passed. East transferred to diamonds and West’s 3C showed diamond support. At this point East was about to bid 3NT, expecting his long suit to provide sufficient tricks. A tried and trusted fourth highest lead would see the defenders take the first eight tricks for four down.

Alas, North saw 3C as an opportunity to get involved in the auction, and doubled. This was pointless as a lead-director, since she was almost certain to be on lead. The only possible justification was that her side might contest the partscore, but it would be difficult for South to join in at the four-level even when it was the right thing to do. And the double gave opponents the opportunity to consult. With no interest in game East would simply bid 3D, so his pass invited partner to bid 3NT if he had a club stopper. Since West had no stopper he signed off in a safe 3D contract that made ten tricks. And so North’s double turned +400 into -130, a loss of 11 imps.