Bridge - The Scotsman, 09/10/12

THERE were some big swings on this deal from the Camrose Preliminary Trials.

Where North opened a weak no-trump East had a bit of a problem. Few play 2D as natural in this situation, so the bidders’ choice was to show spades and a minor, or to forget the spades and jump to 3D. Neither of these options is particularly appealing, and defending a no-trump contract with a running suit can be quite lucrative, so some Easts temporised with a pass. Of course you really expect South to look for a heart fit, but bidding 3D on the second round shows a very good suit, and you might get the chance to bid spades later.

At one table South used Stayman, and West made an offbeat double for a club lead. This deterred East from competing, and North was left to play in 2H. One South was even luckier, playing in 4H doubled which seems to have no play, but was allowed to make when West failed to give partner a club ruff .

Strong no-trumpers opened 1C, making East’s job easier. Alex Wilkinson showed how to cope with this hand by overcalling 1D, planning to bid and rebid spades later to show his shape. South doubled to show the majors and Phil Stephens had just enough to show a sound raise to 2D. When South bid 4H West doubled to slow partner down, but Wilkinson was set on his plan. South naturally doubled 4S. This unfortunately encouraged North to double 5D, a contract that could not be beaten.