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%Created: Wed Jul 16 15:45:40 2025 +0100
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%HRTitleDate 2025.07.21
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[Event ""]
[Site ""]
[Date ""]
[Board "1"]
[West ""]
[North ""]
[East ""]
[South ""]
[Dealer "N"]
[Vulnerable "None"]
[Deal "N:J73.AKQ2.J952.AK K9852.T83.T3.732 T.J65.A864.QT985 AQ64.974.KQ7.J64"]
[Scoring ""]
[Declarer ""]
[Contract ""]
[Result ""]
{<b>AUCTION. </b>On this apparently mundane deal N/S must avoid declaring 3NT,
which may not be so easy if the opponents stay silent. They must aim for a
partscore, and diamonds is the obvious strain. (Perhaps South will treat their
hand as a preemptive diamond raise to slow North down.) 

<b>PLAY</b>. 3NT by South might come home on a passive heart lead, but East
will surely lead a spade if North is declarer. In 3\D there is no miracle in
the trump suit so ten tricks are the limit. 4\H is the most practical game --
and that might be reachable after North opens 1\H -- reasonable even if playing
five-card majors? 4\H takes at least ten tricks thanks to the friendly
breaks.\n
Equally, there is a miracle on the deal, and that comes if N/S declare clubs.
The combination of the trump break and the location of the spade honors means
that after the defenders cash a spade honor (which they need to do or the spade
goes on the fourth heart) they cannot prevent declarer either from squeezing or
endplaying West. The full analysis of this deal would not however fit into the
margin on my paper… 

<b>PASSING THOUGHTS.</b> If you play inverted minors it is difficult both to
have a preemptive (0-6 HCP) raise and also a mixed raise (say 6-9 HCP). I
suggest that when non vulnerable the jump raise does not invite 3NT facing
balanced extras, when vulnerable, it does.)

ACBL Educational Foundation - July 2025 - Commentary from Barry Rigal and
Richard Fleet.}
[BCFlags "1f"]
[DoubleDummyTricks "87aab87bab3623236232"]
[Generator "BridgeComposer Version 5.107.1"]
[OptimumScore "NS 450"]
[ParContract "S 4H+1"]
[OptimumOpeningLeadTable "Leader;Denomination\2R;Result\2R;S\5;H\4;D\4;C"]
N NT 10 -     AKQ2 J952 AK
N  H 11 J73   AKQ2 -    AK
N  C 11 73    AKQ2 J952 AK
S NT 10 -     J65  A    T985
S  H 11 T     J65  -    QT985
S  C 11 T     J65  A    T985
E NT  5 K9852 -    -    -
E  H  3 -     -    T3   -
W NT  5 AQ64  -    -    -
W  S  6 AQ64  974  KQ   J64
W  H  2 AQ64  974  -    J64
W  D  3 AQ64  974  -    J64
W  C  2 AQ64  974  -    J64
[OptimumResultTable "Declarer;Denomination\2R;Result\2R"]
N NT  8
N  S  7
N  H 10
N  D 10
N  C 11
S NT  8
S  S  7
S  H 11
S  D 10
S  C 11
E NT  3
E  S  6
E  H  2
E  D  3
E  C  2
W NT  3
W  S  6
W  H  2
W  D  3
W  C  2

[Event ""]
[Site ""]
[Date ""]
[Board "2"]
[West ""]
[North ""]
[East ""]
[South ""]
[Dealer "E"]
[Vulnerable "NS"]
[Deal "E:AJT76.984.3.KJ86 9.AQT3.QJ962.T54 K843.J65.A8.A932 Q52.K72.KT754.Q7"]
[Scoring ""]
[Declarer ""]
[Contract ""]
[Result ""]
{<b>AUCTION. </b>Some Easts will be able to open 2\S to show a limited
two-suiter, after which there is some danger E/W will play 4\S on an unopposed
auction, where they are likely to go down. However, I believe most Easts will
pass and allow their side to have a controlled auction to a spade partscore. A
complicating factor is that if West opens 1\C then South may compete to the
four level in diamonds after north finds an inelegant overcall of 1\D. In turn,
though, that might increase the chances that E/W will guess the \SQ if they end
up declaring 4\S. 

<b>PLAY. </b>A diamond sacrifice is far too costly at this vulnerability,
especially since few N/S pairs will bid game, and even fewer will make it. 

<b>PASSING THOUGHTS</b>. If the auction proceeds (1\C)-1\D-(1\S) to South, they
may contemplate making a fit jump to 3\H. You’d like five hearts for this
auction but the call does describe the basic features of the South hand pretty
well.

ACBL Educational Foundation - July 2025 - Commentary from Barry Rigal and
Richard Fleet.}
[BCFlags "1f"]
[DoubleDummyTricks "33792337929a54a9a54a"]
[Generator "BridgeComposer Version 5.107.1"]
[OptimumScore "EW 420"]
[ParContract "EW 4S="]
[OptimumOpeningLeadTable "Leader;Denomination\2R;Result\2R;S\5;H\4;D;C"]
N NT  4 -     K72  - -
N  H  8 -     K72  - -
N  C  3 -     K72  - -
S NT  4 -     AQT3 - -
S  H  8 -     AQT3 - -
S  C  3 -     AQT3 - -
E NT 10 JT76  -    3 K86
E  S 10 JT76  984  3 K86
E  H  6 AJT76 -    3 KJ86
E  C 11 JT76  -    3 K86
W NT 10 K843  -    A A932
W  S 10 K843  J65  A A932
W  H  6 K843  -    A A932
W  D  4 K843  J65  A A932
W  C 11 K843  -    A A932
[OptimumResultTable "Declarer;Denomination\2R;Result\2R"]
N NT  3
N  S  3
N  H  7
N  D  9
N  C  2
S NT  3
S  S  3
S  H  7
S  D  9
S  C  2
E NT  9
E  S 10
E  H  5
E  D  4
E  C 10
W NT  9
W  S 10
W  H  5
W  D  4
W  C 10

[Event ""]
[Site ""]
[Date ""]
[Board "3"]
[West ""]
[North ""]
[East ""]
[South ""]
[Dealer "S"]
[Vulnerable "EW"]
[Deal "S:J875.KJT98.942.Q T963.6.KT865.A42 AQ2.AQ54.AQ7.T76 K4.732.J3.KJ9853"]
[Scoring ""]
[Declarer ""]
[Contract ""]
[Result ""]
{<b>AUCTION. </b>Playing a 15-17 strong no-trump, North is far too good for
that action. Instead they should open 1\C and on hearing their partner respond
1\H they will then have to choose between a jump to game or an invitational
sequence. Regardless, the majority of Souths will declare 4\H, and now the
spotlight switches to West. 

<b>PLAY. </b>Against 4\H West would do well to lead a diamond, after which
declarer is likely to be held to 10 tricks on accurate defense, unless they
take an inspired view in the spade suit. By contrast, after the lead of the
\S10, South is in excellent shape to emerge with 11 tricks. Roughly half a top
may ride on the overtrick here. 

<b>PASSING THOUGHTS</b>. That North hand really isn’t worth more than an
invitation at the second turn facing a 1\H response. If partner passes your 3\H
call, I’d bet you were more likely to go down in 3\H than make an overtrick.)

ACBL Educational Foundation - July 2025 - Commentary from Barry Rigal and
Richard Fleet.}
[BCFlags "1f"]
[DoubleDummyTricks "79b7479b745425854258"]
[Generator "BridgeComposer Version 5.107.1"]
[OptimumScore "NS 450"]
[ParContract "NS 4H+1"]
[OptimumOpeningLeadTable "Leader;Denomination\2R;Result\2R;S\4;H\5;D\5;C"]
N NT  8 A    AQ54  -     -
N  S  9 AQ2  AQ54  A     T76
N  H 11 A2   AQ54  -     T76
N  D  8 -    -     -     T76
N  C  5 A    AQ54  -     76
S NT  8 J875 KJT98 942   -
S  H 11 875  KJT98 942   Q
S  D  8 -    -     -     Q
S  C  5 875  KJT98 -     Q
E NT  6 -    -     -     KJ9853
E  S  4 -    732   J3    KJ9853
E  H  2 -    732   J3    KJ9853
E  D  6 -    732   J3    -
E  C  9 -    -     J3    -
W NT  6 -    -     -     A42
W  D  6 T963 6     KT865 -
W  C  9 -    -     KT865 -
[OptimumResultTable "Declarer;Denomination\2R;Result\2R"]
N NT  7
N  S  9
N  H 11
N  D  7
N  C  4
S NT  7
S  S  9
S  H 11
S  D  7
S  C  4
E NT  5
E  S  4
E  H  2
E  D  5
E  C  8
W NT  5
W  S  4
W  H  2
W  D  5
W  C  8

[Event ""]
[Site ""]
[Date ""]
[Board "4"]
[West ""]
[North ""]
[East ""]
[South ""]
[Dealer "W"]
[Vulnerable "All"]
[Deal "W:.JT943.87632.A83 Q6432.Q7652.Q.54 AT975.K.J4.QJT96 KJ8.A8.AKT95.K72"]
[Scoring ""]
[Declarer ""]
[Contract ""]
[Result ""]
{<b>AUCTION. </b>In third seat one could make a case for East opening 1\C not
1\S – but not a very good one, since the objective here is to keep the
opponents out. South’s positional spade honors make their 18-count good enough
in my book to start with a double, planning a rebid at no-trump to show 18-20,
rather than starting with a rather heavy 1NT overcall. Assuming South doubles
West will surely pass. North will bid hearts and over partner’s 2NT call I can
see a good case for passing. If South bids 1NT at their first turn it looks
possible that the final contract will be played by E/W – and I suspect they may
not enjoy it wherever they finish up, though clubs is clearly the least awful
strain. 

<b>PLAY.</b> 3NT by South on the lead of the \HJ, ducked to the king and ace,
is still likely to go at least one down, if South follows the simple line of
playing East for the \CA. 

<b>PASSING THOUGHTS</b>. After 1\S-(1NT) some play that West’s calls of 2\C/2\D
would be two-suiters with the other major and that minor. This would be a very
unlucky hand for those methods!)

ACBL Educational Foundation - July 2025 - Commentary from Barry Rigal and
Richard Fleet.}
[BCFlags "1f"]
[DoubleDummyTricks "78785898854444744447"]
[Generator "BridgeComposer Version 5.107.1"]
[OptimumScore "NS 140"]
[ParContract "S 1S+2"]
[OptimumOpeningLeadTable "Leader;Denomination\2R;Result\1R;S\5;H\5;D\5;C"]
N NT 9 Q6432 7652  Q     -
N  S 9 -     7652  Q     -
N  H 9 -     -     Q     -
N  D 9 -     -     Q     -
N  C 6 -     -     Q     54
S NT 9 KJ8   A     AKT95 -
S  S 9 -     A     AKT95 -
S  H 9 -     -     AK5   -
S  D 9 -     -     5     -
S  C 6 -     -     AKT95 72
E NT 6 -     -     -     QJT9
E  S 5 A     -     -     QJT96
E  H 6 A     -     -     QJT9
E  D 5 AT975 K     -     QJT96
E  C 8 AT975 K     -     -
W NT 5 -     -     -     A83
W  S 4 -     JT943 87632 A
W  H 5 -     43    -     -
W  D 5 -     JT943 -     83
W  C 8 -     43    -     -
[OptimumResultTable "Declarer;Denomination\2R;Result\1R"]
N NT 7
N  S 8
N  H 7
N  D 8
N  C 5
S NT 8
S  S 9
S  H 8
S  D 8
S  C 5
E NT 4
E  S 4
E  H 4
E  D 4
E  C 7
W NT 4
W  S 4
W  H 4
W  D 4
W  C 7

[Event ""]
[Site ""]
[Date ""]
[Board "5"]
[West ""]
[North ""]
[East ""]
[South ""]
[Dealer "N"]
[Vulnerable "NS"]
[Deal "N:QJT764.Q32.6.AK6 .K9654.QT752.J87 AK5.A87.AK94.954 9832.JT.J83.QT32"]
[Scoring ""]
[Declarer ""]
[Contract ""]
[Result ""]
{<b>AUCTION. </b>Our second excellent play hand of the set – this one a little
less double-dummy than the first. At many tables when North opens 1\S South
will drive to slam; but at quite a few of those tables a foolhardy East may
paint a picture of the defenders’ hands by overcalling a Michaels 2\S bid – for
which the hand is at least an ace short of the appropriate values! 

<b>PLAY. </b>Against 6\S the play is trivial on a heart lead and relatively
easy on a club lead. In the latter case declarer can cash two clubs and five
spades keeping all of dummy’s diamonds, and the East hand is immediately forced
to release the fourth diamond or the third heart, letting declarer establish a
trick in one suit or the other. After a diamond lead declarer does best to win
the ace of diamonds, then ruff a diamond. They next run four more spades and
the top clubs. Again, in the four-card ending as North leads the last trump
East must surrender the third heart or control of diamonds, and either is
fatal. 

<b>PASSING THOUGHTS</b>. Terence Reese was rightly very scathing about players
signposting their hands for declarer. When forcing your side to the three
level, as here, East needs better suits or more shape.) If you do not win the
auction, all you do is warn declarer of the breaks.

ACBL Educational Foundation - July 2025 - Commentary from Barry Rigal and
Richard Fleet.}
[BCFlags "1f"]
[DoubleDummyTricks "cc87acc8791155311553"]
[Generator "BridgeComposer Version 5.107.1"]
[OptimumScore "NS 1440"]
[ParContract "NS 6N="]
[OptimumOpeningLeadTable "Leader;Denomination\2R;Result\2R;S\6;H\3;D\5;C"]
N NT 12 QJT764 Q   6     AK
N  S 12 QJT764 Q32 6     AK
N  D  8 QJT764 -   6     -
N  C 10 -      -   6     AK
S NT 12 AK5    87  AK    954
S  S 12 AK5    87  AK    954
S  H  8 AK5    A87 AK    954
S  D  8 AK     -   AK94  -
S  C 10 -      -   AK    954
E NT  1 -      -   QT752 J87
E  S  1 -      -   QT752 J87
E  H  5 -      -   QT752 J87
E  D  6 -      -   -     J
W  D  6 -      JT  -     32
W  C  4 9832   JT  -     -
[OptimumResultTable "Declarer;Denomination\2R;Result\2R"]
N NT 12
N  S 12
N  H  8
N  D  7
N  C 10
S NT 12
S  S 12
S  H  8
S  D  7
S  C  9
E NT  1
E  S  1
E  H  5
E  D  5
E  C  3
W NT  1
W  S  1
W  H  5
W  D  5
W  C  3

[Event ""]
[Site ""]
[Date ""]
[Board "6"]
[West ""]
[North ""]
[East ""]
[South ""]
[Dealer "E"]
[Vulnerable "EW"]
[Deal "E:KQJ6.742.JT3.T75 A9.AQ96.AK986.J4 542.KJ3.54.AKQ32 T873.T85.Q72.986"]
[Scoring ""]
[Declarer ""]
[Contract ""]
[Result ""]
{<b>AUCTION. </b>When South opens 1\D in second seat West has a reasonable 2\C
overcall, despite having only five clubs and being at adverse vulnerability.
The action does take away the majors from the opponents – though also from
partner, I admit – so I think it is just about worth the risk. If East
trustingly raises to 3\C, it sets South an almost insoluble problem. Passing
seems wet in the extreme, yet acting with a double, a rebid of diamonds or a
reverse into hearts seems wildly optimistic. If South does bid, it rates to get
N/S uncomfortably high, though no one has a clear double of a red-suit
partscore. 

<b>PLAY. </b>If West is allowed to play 3\C on three rounds of diamonds,
declarer can come home -- so long as they do not draw all the trumps before
going after the major suits. Diamonds plays for just eight tricks, because of
the unfortunate lie of the heart honors.

<b>PASSING THOUGHTS.</b>  I believe two-level overcalls require a six-card
suit, unless you have extra values and chunky intermediates. The less space
they take up, the more wary you should be of acting. There are rare exceptions;
the West hand may or may not be one of them. \n
West might also consider doubling 1\D, which would be far more attractive with
the same shape, but the \CA the \SA. The imbalanced honor-structure makes that
call unappealing to me.

ACBL Educational Foundation - July 2025 - Commentary from Barry Rigal and
Richard Fleet.}
[BCFlags "1f"]
[DoubleDummyTricks "75884758846755967559"]
[Generator "BridgeComposer Version 5.107.1"]
[OptimumScore "NS -100"]
[ParContract "NS 3DX-1; NS 3HX-1"]
[OptimumOpeningLeadTable "Leader;Denomination\2R;Result\1R;S\3;H\3;D\5;C"]
N  S 6 -   -   Q72   -
S  S 6 -   -   AK986 -
E NT 6 KQJ 742 JT3   T75
E  S 8 KQJ 742 -     T75
E  H 5 KQJ 742 JT3   T75
E  D 5 KQJ 742 JT3   T75
E  C 9 KQJ 742 JT3   T75
W NT 6 542 -   54    AKQ
W  S 8 542 -   -     AKQ
W  H 5 542 -   54    AKQ
W  D 5 542 -   54    AKQ
W  C 9 542 -   54    AKQ
[OptimumResultTable "Declarer;Denomination\2R;Result\1R"]
N NT 7
N  S 5
N  H 8
N  D 8
N  C 4
S NT 7
S  S 5
S  H 8
S  D 8
S  C 4
E NT 6
E  S 7
E  H 5
E  D 5
E  C 9
W NT 6
W  S 7
W  H 5
W  D 5
W  C 9

[Event ""]
[Site ""]
[Date ""]
[Board "7"]
[West ""]
[North ""]
[East ""]
[South ""]
[Dealer "S"]
[Vulnerable "All"]
[Deal "S:K972.3.AKJ765.KJ Q643.AQJ95.84.76 AT85.862.93.QT85 J.KT74.QT2.A9432"]
[Scoring ""]
[Declarer ""]
[Contract ""]
[Result ""]
{<b>AUCTION. </b>The first three bids on this deal should be routine; however,
after North’s negative double of 1\H, some Easts will raise hearts, (typically
via a cue-bid raise or an artificial 2NT bid) while a few may produce a
fit-jump to 3\C, though this suit hardly qualifies for that action. Either way,
South is full value for a jump to 4\S, which is likely to end the auction. 

<b>PLAY. </b>The defenders do best to lead and continue hearts, and West might
well do this to try to set up the force. If it starts like this, South simply
has to handle trumps accurately by starting with the king, then go into
finessing mode to register +650. However, a heart sacrifice might be allowed to
come to nine tricks on a cross-ruff. Repeated trump leads prevent that - North
must lead a trump, or South must shift to one after one or two rounds of
diamonds. 

<b>PASSING THOUGHTS.</b> The Young Turks believe that there is no need for a
natural 2NT call in competition, when facing a major-suit opener or raise. Thus
2NT can be subverted to promise at least four trumps and limit-raise values,
whereas the cuebid suggests three trump. Today’s deal is an example of where
that information might be critical to West in deciding whether to compete or
save.

ACBL Educational Foundation - July 2025 - Commentary from Barry Rigal and
Richard Fleet.}
[BCFlags "1f"]
[DoubleDummyTricks "7b4a77b4a73283632826"]
[Generator "BridgeComposer Version 5.107.1"]
[OptimumScore "NS 650"]
[ParContract "NS 4S+1"]
[OptimumOpeningLeadTable "Leader;Denomination\2R;Result\2R;S\4;H\5;D\2;C"]
N NT 10 T85  -     93 -
N  S 11 T85  862   93 QT85
N  H  5 -    862   93 -
N  D 11 -    -     93 -
S NT 10 K    -     AK -
S  S 11 K    3     AK KJ
S  H  5 -    3     AK -
S  C  7 K972 3     AK KJ
E NT  6 -    KT74  -  A
E  H  9 J    -     -  9432
E  D  3 J    KT74  -  -
W NT  6 -    AQJ95 -  76
W  H  9 Q643 -     -  76
W  D  3 643  AQJ95 -  76
[OptimumResultTable "Declarer;Denomination\2R;Result\2R"]
N NT  7
N  S 11
N  H  4
N  D 10
N  C  7
S NT  7
S  S 11
S  H  4
S  D 10
S  C  7
E NT  3
E  S  2
E  H  8
E  D  3
E  C  6
W NT  3
W  S  2
W  H  8
W  D  2
W  C  6

[Event ""]
[Site ""]
[Date ""]
[Board "8"]
[West ""]
[North ""]
[East ""]
[South ""]
[Dealer "W"]
[Vulnerable "None"]
[Deal "W:5.AJT972.T5.KJ72 AKJT9.K83.KJ982. 6432.Q.Q764.9543 Q87.654.A3.AQT86"]
[Scoring ""]
[Declarer ""]
[Contract ""]
[Result ""]
{<b>AUCTION. </b>Depending on your age, aggression, basic system, or country of
origin, you may be convinced that the West hand is a routine 2\H opener or an
equally automatic 1\H call. Me? I’m on the fence but vulnerable would surely
opt for 2\H – an indication of my advanced years. If West opens 1\H North will
probably settle for describing this rather complex hand via a Michaels cuebid
and end up in 4\S, perhaps with no slam investigation at all. However if West
opens 2\H and North jumps to 4\D, Leaping Michaels to show spades and diamonds,
South is far too good to sign off in 4\S. Perhaps the best call would be 5\S,
asking partner to bid slam with a heart control? In response 5NT shows the
guarded \HK -- could South ever work out to pass that? (Yes a club lead would
defeat 5NT by North).

<b>PLAY. </b>Slam can be beaten immediately on the heart ruff, and is likely to
go down on any defense but a club lead from West. 

<b>PASSING THOUGHTS</b>. Another modern invention is Leaping Michaels whereby
over a weak-two in a major the direct cuebid is a stopper ask with a solidish
minor, and jumps to four of a minor are two-suiters. I’d recommend this
treatment, but the jury is still out on non-leaping Michaels over the
opponents’ three-level preempt.

ACBL Educational Foundation - July 2025 - Commentary from Barry Rigal and
Richard Fleet.}
[BCFlags "1f"]
[DoubleDummyTricks "ab8b6bb8b62252622525"]
[Generator "BridgeComposer Version 5.107.1"]
[OptimumScore "NS 460"]
[ParContract "S 3N+2"]
[OptimumOpeningLeadTable "Leader;Denomination\2R;Result\2R;S\5;H\3;D\5;C"]
N NT 11 AKJT9 -   KJ982 -
N  S 11 AKJT9 83  KJ982 -
N  H  8 AKJT9 -   KJ982 -
N  D 11 AKJT9 -   J     -
N  C  8 -     -   J     -
S NT 11 Q87   654 A3    -
S  H  8 Q87   654 A3    QT86
S  D 11 Q87   654 -     AQT86
S  C  7 Q87   -   A3    AQT86
E NT  3 -     -   -     9543
E  S  2 6432  Q   764   -
E  D  2 6432  Q   764   9543
E  C  7 -     Q   -     -
W  S  2 5     A   T5    -
W  C  7 -     A   -     -
[OptimumResultTable "Declarer;Denomination\2R;Result\2R"]
N NT 10
N  S 11
N  H  8
N  D 11
N  C  6
S NT 11
S  S 11
S  H  8
S  D 11
S  C  6
E NT  2
E  S  2
E  H  5
E  D  2
E  C  6
W NT  2
W  S  2
W  H  5
W  D  2
W  C  5

[Event ""]
[Site ""]
[Date ""]
[Board "9"]
[West ""]
[North ""]
[East ""]
[South ""]
[Dealer "N"]
[Vulnerable "EW"]
[Deal "N:Q.QJ54.A874.T963 863.A8.KT962.J72 AKJ9742.K963..AQ T5.T72.QJ53.K854"]
[Scoring ""]
[Declarer ""]
[Contract ""]
[Result ""]
{<b>AUCTION. </b>Fewer and fewer pairs these days play Acol or Benjaminized
Acol but it is undeniable that playing standard the South hand is almost
impossible to describe. No one except a rank optimist would be happy to open
the South hand 2\C, while a 1\S opener leaves you with far too many problems on
rebid for that to be an elegant option. The 2\C call should allow South to bid
spades then hearts and after that start North may drag their partner kicking
and screaming to the heart slam. With the major suits behaving that should make
comfortably enough. Conversely, a 1\S opener from South would create huge rebid
problems that might well see their side stop at game, or even misjudge to play
3NT. 

<b>PLAY. </b>There is not much in the play here. After eg a top diamond lead
against 6 \H, declarer can probably not do much except play trumps at once and
cross their fingers. 6 \S has some extra chances if hearts do not break.

<b>PASSING THOUGHTS</b>. After 2\C-2\D-2\S responder should use 2NT as
temporizing, 3\C as a second negative, to avoid wrong-siding no-trump
unnecessarily.\n
In passing this deal is an excellent commercial for allowing South to rebid
2\C, Gazzilli, promising 16+ or spades and clubs. If using this convention it
does fix a lot of awkward rebid problems while requiring some detailed
partnership agreements. If interested maybe check out:
https://bridgewinners.com/article/view/gazzilli-an-introduction/

ACBL Educational Foundation - July 2025 - Commentary from Barry Rigal and
Richard Fleet.}
[BCFlags "1f"]
[DoubleDummyTricks "9cc589cc581118511175"]
[Generator "BridgeComposer Version 5.107.1"]
[OptimumScore "NS 980"]
[ParContract "NS 6H=; NS 6S="]
[OptimumOpeningLeadTable "Leader;Denomination\2R;Result\2R;S\7;H\4;D\5;C"]
N NT 12 Q       QJ54 -     -
N  D  6 -       -    A874  -
S NT 12 AKJ9742 K963 -     -
S  S 12 AKJ9742 K963 -     A
S  H 12 AKJ9742 K963 -     A
S  C  8 AKJ9742 K963 -     A
E NT  4 -       -    KT962 -
E  D  8 863     A8   -     72
E  C  5 863     A8   KT962 72
W NT  4 -       -    QJ53  -
W  D  8 T5      T72  -     -
W  C  5 T5      T72  QJ53  -
[OptimumResultTable "Declarer;Denomination\2R;Result\2R"]
N NT  9
N  S 12
N  H 12
N  D  5
N  C  8
S NT  9
S  S 12
S  H 12
S  D  5
S  C  8
E NT  1
E  S  1
E  H  1
E  D  8
E  C  5
W NT  1
W  S  1
W  H  1
W  D  7
W  C  5

[Event ""]
[Site ""]
[Date ""]
[Board "10"]
[West ""]
[North ""]
[East ""]
[South ""]
[Dealer "E"]
[Vulnerable "All"]
[Deal "E:AK9874.43..AK652 QJ2.AT7.J976.974 6.KJ652.KT52.QJT T53.Q98.AQ843.83"]
[Scoring ""]
[Declarer ""]
[Contract ""]
[Result ""]
{<b>AUCTION. </b>If the last hand was tough for N/S, this hand presents
significant problems for E/W. If East opens 1\S, quite a few Wests may choose
to respond 2\H, so long as this is not a game force. If so, E/W ought to be
able to find their club fit and East will surely be looking for slam. 

<b>PLAY. </b>6\C is an undesirable spot: it probably needs both black-suits to
split and perhaps a heart guess, but it meets the Hamman Rule – it makes. 4\S
is a more sensible game, in that unless the suits break badly you are
relatively likely to outscore 5\C. But the club game is perfectly reasonable --
especially when you consider that 3NT is a very poor contract as the cards lie
today. Having said that, after a diamond lead to the jack and king declarer
might lead a spade to dummy and a heart towards hand, when South needs to fly
up with the ace (correct today, but foolish on some other lies of the cards)
and make sure the diamonds do not block. Easier said than done?

<b>PASSING THOUGHTS</b>. I  suspect as East after my partner responded 1NT to
my 1\S opener I’d force to game with 3\C and convert 3NT to 4\S. It may not be
right, but there again, I might make 4\S facing a spade void.

ACBL Educational Foundation - July 2025 - Commentary from Barry Rigal and
Richard Fleet.}
[BCFlags "1f"]
[DoubleDummyTricks "52461524617b96c8b97c"]
[Generator "BridgeComposer Version 5.107.1"]
[OptimumScore "EW 1370"]
[ParContract "EW 6C="]
[OptimumOpeningLeadTable "Leader;Denomination\2R;Result\2R;S\3;H\2;D\5;C"]
N NT  5 T53 -  Q843  83
N  H  4 T53 -  -     83
N  D  6 T53 98 AQ843 83
S NT  6 -   -  J976  -
S  H  4 QJ2 T7 J976  974
S  D  7 -   -  J976  -
E NT  8 AK  43 -     AK652
E  D  7 AK  43 -     AK652
E  C 12 AK  43 -     AK652
W NT  8 6   J  -     QJT
W  S 11 6   -  KT52  QJT
W  H  9 6   J  KT52  QJT
W  D  7 6   J  -     QJT
W  C 12 6   -  KT52  QJT
[OptimumResultTable "Declarer;Denomination\2R;Result\2R"]
N NT  5
N  S  2
N  H  4
N  D  6
N  C  1
S NT  5
S  S  2
S  H  4
S  D  6
S  C  1
E NT  7
E  S 11
E  H  9
E  D  6
E  C 12
W NT  8
W  S 11
W  H  9
W  D  7
W  C 12

[Event ""]
[Site ""]
[Date ""]
[Board "11"]
[West ""]
[North ""]
[East ""]
[South ""]
[Dealer "S"]
[Vulnerable "None"]
[Deal "S:K53.A.J9876.8764 AT64.963.AT5.K53 J82.QJ5.Q2.AJT92 Q97.KT8742.K43.Q"]
[Scoring ""]
[Declarer ""]
[Contract ""]
[Result ""]
{<b>AUCTION. </b>A handful of Wests will open here; they have great controls
but still and all...In third seat non-vulnerable quite a few Norths will try a
1\C opener, even though that call is neither preemptive nor especially lead
directing these days. E/W should be able to compete to 3\H, and N/S are
relatively unlikely to save in 4\C – which would cost 300, if the defenders
double and attack spades early. However, no one is likely to be able to double
a club partscore, especially if East has made a weak jump in hearts. 

<b>PLAY. </b>The play in hearts is rather harder to predict. Any declarer who
manages to guess both majors to come to nine tricks will surely deserve their
excellent matchpoint score. 

<b>PASSING THOUGHTS</b>. If East is allowed to open in fourth seat they should
bid 2\H. All this stuff about Pearson points is very overrated. If neither
opponent acts, when they are non-vulnerable, partner always has a maximum pass
in my experience. (Plus, my experience is that passing out a deal minimizes the
opponents' chance to err...)

ACBL Educational Foundation - July 2025 - Commentary from Barry Rigal and
Richard Fleet.}
[BCFlags "1f"]
[DoubleDummyTricks "65478654787796578965"]
[Generator "BridgeComposer Version 5.107.1"]
[OptimumScore "EW 140"]
[ParContract "EW 3H="]
[OptimumOpeningLeadTable "Leader;Denomination\2R;Result\1R;S\4;H\5;D\5;C"]
N NT 6 82   5     Q2    AJT92
N  S 5 -    5     Q2    AJT92
N  H 4 -    5     Q2    A
N  D 7 82   QJ5   -     A
N  C 8 82   QJ5   Q2    AJT92
S NT 6 53   A     J9876 8764
S  S 6 -    -     9876  -
S  H 4 -    A     J9876 8764
S  D 7 53   A     9876  8764
S  C 8 53   A     J9876 8764
E NT 7 Q97  T8742 K43   Q
E  S 8 Q9   T8742 -     Q
E  H 9 Q97  T8742 K43   Q
E  D 6 Q97  T8742 K43   Q
E  C 5 Q97  T8742 K43   Q
W NT 7 AT64 963   AT5   53
W  S 8 T64  963   -     53
W  D 6 AT64 963   AT5   53
W  C 5 AT64 963   AT5   53
[OptimumResultTable "Declarer;Denomination\2R;Result\1R"]
N NT 6
N  S 5
N  H 4
N  D 7
N  C 8
S NT 6
S  S 5
S  H 4
S  D 7
S  C 8
E NT 7
E  S 7
E  H 9
E  D 6
E  C 5
W NT 7
W  S 8
W  H 9
W  D 6
W  C 5

[Event ""]
[Site ""]
[Date ""]
[Board "12"]
[West ""]
[North ""]
[East ""]
[South ""]
[Dealer "W"]
[Vulnerable "NS"]
[Deal "W:Q73.AJ762.Q742.5 98.T94.AJ65.K982 AK62.KQ8.93.J643 JT54.53.KT8.AQT7"]
[Scoring ""]
[Declarer ""]
[Contract ""]
[Result ""]
{<b>AUCTION. </b>E/W belong in hearts, where nine tricks are relatively easy
except on repeated trump leads - when declarer might need to improvise a sort
of dummy reversal. However, they may not find it so easy to reach that strain
unless playing a weak no-trump. To start with, East may open 1\S in third seat
to get their side to the wrong major. Equally if East opens 1\C and West
responds 1\H, what is East supposed to do next? Best might be to pass,
whereupon West can compete if necessary, knowing of three hearts opposite.
However, one can imagine N/S competing in one minor or the other, and today 3\C
is far from easy to defeat. 

<b>PLAY.  </b>In 3\C repeated heart leads will make it impossible for declarer
both negotiate the \CJ and to establish diamonds for four tricks. The entry
position to North is just slightly too awkward.

<b>PASSING THOUGHTS.</b> It is sensible practice to open your best suit in
third seat when you have a one bid hand, but that strategy is not without risk;
and where, as here, East has no problems with a rebid, maybe 1\C is the sounder
policy?

ACBL Educational Foundation - July 2025 - Commentary from Barry Rigal and
Richard Fleet.}
[BCFlags "1f"]
[DoubleDummyTricks "55478554785795557955"]
[Generator "BridgeComposer Version 5.107.1"]
[OptimumScore "EW 140"]
[ParContract "EW 2H+1"]
[OptimumOpeningLeadTable "Leader;Denomination\2R;Result\1R;S\4;H\5;D\3;C"]
N NT 8 -    -     65  982
N  S 6 98   T94   65  -
N  H 4 98   T94   65  K982
N  D 8 -    -     65  -
S NT 8 -    -     KT  AQ
S  S 6 JT54 53    KT8 -
S  H 4 JT54 53    KT  AQT7
S  D 8 -    -     KT  -
E NT 8 AK62 KQ8   -   -
E  S 8 -    -     -   J643
E  D 6 AK62 KQ8   -   J643
W NT 8 Q73  AJ762 -   -
W  S 8 -    -     -   5
W  D 6 Q73  AJ762 -   5
[OptimumResultTable "Declarer;Denomination\2R;Result\1R"]
N NT 5
N  S 5
N  H 4
N  D 7
N  C 8
S NT 5
S  S 5
S  H 4
S  D 7
S  C 8
E NT 5
E  S 7
E  H 9
E  D 5
E  C 5
W NT 5
W  S 7
W  H 9
W  D 5
W  C 5

[Event ""]
[Site ""]
[Date ""]
[Board "13"]
[West ""]
[North ""]
[East ""]
[South ""]
[Dealer "N"]
[Vulnerable "All"]
[Deal "N:J2.J84.QJ872.Q85 T984.K7.A95.JT73 A653.T652..AK964 KQ7.AQ93.KT643.2"]
[Scoring ""]
[Declarer ""]
[Contract ""]
[Result ""]
{<b>AUCTION. </b>With both sides vulnerable it is often more attractive for
both sides to pull in a notch. Here after South opens 1\C in third seat it
seems clear to me that West should double rather than bid 1\D. North will
respond 1\D and East can advance with 1\S, after which it is not clear for
anyone to bid any more…is it? I suppose North might balance – but with what
call? South might struggle to take seven tricks in clubs, after a trump lead;
but any other strain looks much worse. 

<b>PLAY. </b>Against a spade partscore South might lead a mundane top club,
then perhaps shift to a trump. Now +110 looks about par for the course, one way
or another. 

<b>PASSING THOUGHTS.</b> If West overcalls 1\D at their first turn and ends up
in a diamond partscore, the defenders might well lead and continue clubs. West
ruffs, crosses to a heart and leads a spade to hand, then plays to ruff a heart
in dummy. Now a second club ruff should produce nine tricks easily enough.
These days expert practice is to overcall a five-card major with 5431 and a
singleton in the opponent's suit, then act again if sensible. However, with a
five-card minor one doubles first.\n
As a side issue; I think East does better to bid 1\S at the first chance to
bid, not 1NT. With a softer diamond honor, I might feel otherwise.

ACBL Educational Foundation - July 2025 - Commentary from Barry Rigal and
Richard Fleet.}
[BCFlags "1f"]
[DoubleDummyTricks "55647555478879578795"]
[Generator "BridgeComposer Version 5.107.1"]
[OptimumScore "EW 120"]
[ParContract "E 1N+1"]
[OptimumOpeningLeadTable "Leader;Denomination\2R;Result\1R;S\4;H\4;D\5;C"]
N NT 6 -    -    -     85
N  H 6 J2   -    -     85
N  D 4 J2   J84  QJ87  Q85
N  C 8 J2   -    QJ872 -
S NT 5 A653 652  -     AK964
S  H 6 653  652  -     -
S  C 8 A653 -    -     -
E NT 8 T984 K7   A95   -
E  S 8 T984 K7   95    JT73
E  D 9 T984 K7   A5    JT73
E  C 6 -    K7   -     JT73
W NT 8 KQ   AQ93 KT643 -
W  S 8 KQ   AQ93 643   2
W  H 8 -    -    643   -
W  D 9 KQ   AQ93 KT643 2
W  C 6 -    AQ93 -     2
[OptimumResultTable "Declarer;Denomination\2R;Result\1R"]
N NT 5
N  S 5
N  H 6
N  D 4
N  C 7
S NT 5
S  S 5
S  H 5
S  D 4
S  C 7
E NT 8
E  S 8
E  H 7
E  D 9
E  C 5
W NT 7
W  S 8
W  H 7
W  D 9
W  C 5

[Event ""]
[Site ""]
[Date ""]
[Board "14"]
[West ""]
[North ""]
[East ""]
[South ""]
[Dealer "E"]
[Vulnerable "None"]
[Deal "E:AKT3.AQ6.Q63.753 Q86.732.T854.KQJ 75.T854.AKJ9.AT2 J942.KJ9.72.9864"]
[Scoring ""]
[Declarer ""]
[Contract ""]
[Result ""]
{<b>AUCTION. </b>Anyone who constructs an auction to a contract other than 3NT
should stay very quiet about it. Yes some kibitzer is pointing out that hearts
plays for 10 tricks, but I'm going to keep my fingers in my ears until they
stop talking.

<b>PLAY. </b>Sometimes Deep Finesse lures you into ignoring the difference
between double-dummy and single-dummy bridge. On this deal DF correctly remarks
that 10 tricks can be made by East in 3NT, even after a top club lead. That
requires declarer to win the first or second club and drive out the heart
honors while the clubs are blocked. That would be a disastrous line against
most 4-3 club breaks when South has the length. Instead the normal play is to
duck two clubs and win the third, after which nine tricks are the limit unless
a major-suit squeeze develops. Of course, at quite a few tables variations in
the auction will see the defenders fail to lead and continue clubs, when we are
back to 10 tricks without excitement. 

<b>PASSING THOUGHTS.</b>  Sophisticated partnerships have an honor lead
structure against no-trump that lets 3rd hand signal count or unblock on one
specific honor lead and signal attitude on others. If using this approach South
should probably not lead the unblock card here.

ACBL Educational Foundation - July 2025 - Commentary from Barry Rigal and
Richard Fleet.}
[BCFlags "1f"]
[DoubleDummyTricks "3423434234a9aa8a9aa8"]
[Generator "BridgeComposer Version 5.107.1"]
[OptimumScore "EW 430"]
[ParContract "EW 3N+1"]
[OptimumOpeningLeadTable "Leader;Denomination\2R;Result\2R;S\4;H\4;D\4;C"]
N NT  3 942  KJ   72   9864
N  S  4 942  KJ   72   9864
N  H  3 -    -    -    9864
N  D  3 942  KJ   72   9864
N  C  5 -    -    -    9864
S NT  3 -    732  T854 KQJ
S  S  4 -    732  T854 KQJ
S  H  3 -    -    -    KQJ
S  D  3 -    732  T854 KQJ
S  C  5 -    -    -    KQJ
E NT 10 AKT3 A6   Q63  753
E  S  9 AKT3 -    Q63  753
E  H 11 AK   -    Q63  -
E  D 10 AKT3 A6   Q63  753
E  C  9 AK   -    Q63  -
W  H 11 75   T854 AKJ9 -
W  C  9 75   T854 AKJ9 -
[OptimumResultTable "Declarer;Denomination\2R;Result\2R"]
N NT  3
N  S  4
N  H  2
N  D  3
N  C  4
S NT  3
S  S  4
S  H  2
S  D  3
S  C  4
E NT 10
E  S  9
E  H 10
E  D 10
E  C  8
W NT 10
W  S  9
W  H 10
W  D 10
W  C  8

[Event ""]
[Site ""]
[Date ""]
[Board "15"]
[West ""]
[North ""]
[East ""]
[South ""]
[Dealer "S"]
[Vulnerable "NS"]
[Deal "S:972.AKT43.A6.QJ3 KT65.J95.J87.KT4 QJ83.Q876.Q.8652 A4.2.KT95432.A97"]
[Scoring ""]
[Declarer ""]
[Contract ""]
[Result ""]
{<b>AUCTION. </b>There is very little to the play here, so the auction (and the
degree of North’s aggression) are likely to determine who wins the matchpoints
here. Facing a 1\H opener and a pass on the right I have NO idea what the field
will do as North. Hyper-aggressive players will bid 4\H, some will invite game
or jump to 3\H either as a mixed raise or even a preemptive one. And there will
be some pairs playing Bergen raises who will treat their hand as a Mixed Raise.
Whatever North does, East will surely bid diamonds at the lowest legal
level…and then what? I don’t see any reason for either North or South to bid
past the three level, or indeed to double East whatever level of diamonds they
bid. 

<b>PLAY. </b>4\D plays easily for East, 3\H is likely to take nine tricks since
West will surely lead a diamond and the defenders’ spade ruff gets away. 

<b>PASSING THOUGHTS.</b> I believe if North makes a Bergen raise – a call of
three of a minor to show a mixed or limit raise - the meaning of a double by
East should vary. A double of a limit raise should show that suit, a double of
a call showing a mixed or preemptive raise should be take out of the promised
major.

ACBL Educational Foundation - July 2025 - Commentary from Barry Rigal and
Richard Fleet.}
[BCFlags "1f"]
[DoubleDummyTricks "6783667836764a6764a5"]
[Generator "BridgeComposer Version 5.107.1"]
[OptimumScore "EW 130"]
[ParContract "EW 3D+1"]
[OptimumOpeningLeadTable "Leader;Denomination\2R;Result\2R;S\4;H\5;D\3;C"]
N  S  7 QJ   Q     Q   8652
N  H  9 -    Q876  Q   -
N  D  3 QJ   Q876  Q   8652
N  C  8 -    -     -   8652
S  S  7 972  T43   A   -
S  H  9 -    AKT43 A   -
S  D  3 972  AKT43 A6  -
S  C  7 972  AKT43 -   -
E NT  7 A4   2     K   A97
E  S  6 A4   2     K   A97
E  H  5 A4   -     -   A97
E  D 10 A4   2     K   A97
E  C  7 -    -     K   -
W  S  6 T65  J95   J87 KT4
W  H  5 KT65 -     -   KT4
W  C  7 -    -     J87 -
[OptimumResultTable "Declarer;Denomination\2R;Result\2R"]
N NT  6
N  S  7
N  H  8
N  D  3
N  C  6
S NT  6
S  S  7
S  H  8
S  D  3
S  C  6
E NT  7
E  S  6
E  H  4
E  D 10
E  C  6
W NT  7
W  S  6
W  H  4
W  D 10
W  C  5

[Event ""]
[Site ""]
[Date ""]
[Board "16"]
[West ""]
[North ""]
[East ""]
[South ""]
[Dealer "W"]
[Vulnerable "EW"]
[Deal "W:J72.T5.AK753.Q75 AKT8..QJ98.A6432 Q9654.K7632.4.T9 3.AQJ984.T62.KJ8"]
[Scoring ""]
[Declarer ""]
[Contract ""]
[Result ""]
{<b>AUCTION. </b>South has a complex hand to evaluate after the unopposed
auction 1\C-1\H-1\S. The potential club fit might argue for driving to game via
fourth suit forcing. There again, a natural and invitational jump to 3\H does
describe the hand very precisely, doesn’t it? Whichever action South chooses, I
suspect the majority of the field will bid to 3NT. \n
You will note that I didn't mention the possibility of a Michaels Cuebid by
East; I know many of my readers have sensitive stomachs...

<b>PLAY. </b>3NT in practice is far better played by South, to attract  a low
diamond lead. The testing defenses are for East to lead a spade against 3NT or
for West to lead a top diamond and shift to a spade. If declarer relies on the
club finesse they will then have to duck one spade and pray. Fortunately, they
can still come to nine tricks via two diamonds, four clubs, a heart, and two
spades. Meanwhile, 4\H can be defeated at once on the diamond ruff. If West
cannot read the position and shifts to a spade at trick two, then declarer can
ruff a spade to hand and drive out the trump king for 10 tricks. 

<b>PASSING THOUGHTS.</b> A popular style in the US these days after three
one-level calls such as 1\C-1\H-1\S is to play XYZ. Here 2\C by responder
initiates slam sequences, 2\D is game forcing relay, and jumps to the three
level are natural slam tries. This gives up on playing 2\C, but there again,
the opponents never let you do that, do they?

ACBL Educational Foundation - July 2025 - Commentary from Barry Rigal and
Richard Fleet.}
[BCFlags "1f"]
[DoubleDummyTricks "a8999989993543335433"]
[Generator "BridgeComposer Version 5.107.1"]
[OptimumScore "NS 430"]
[ParContract "N 3N+1"]
[OptimumOpeningLeadTable "Leader;Denomination\2R;Result\2R;S\5;H\6;D\4;C"]
N NT 10 -     -      QJ98 6432
N  S  8 AKT8  -      QJ98 6432
N  H  9 AK    -      QJ98 A6432
N  D 10 AK    -      -    A6432
N  C 10 AK    -      -    A6432
S NT 10 -     AQJ    T62  KJ
S  S  8 3     -      T62  KJ
S  H  9 3     AQJ    T62  KJ8
S  D 10 3     AQJ984 -    KJ8
S  C 10 3     AQJ984 -    KJ8
E NT  3 Q9654 -      4    T9
E  H  4 654   7632   4    T9
E  D  4 -     -      4    -
E  C  4 -     -      4    -
W NT  4 72    -      -    -
W  S  5 J72   T5     AK   Q75
W  H  4 J72   T5     AK   Q75
W  D  4 -     -      AK   -
W  C  4 -     -      AK   -
[OptimumResultTable "Declarer;Denomination\2R;Result\2R"]
N NT 10
N  S  8
N  H  9
N  D  9
N  C  9
S NT  9
S  S  8
S  H  9
S  D  9
S  C  9
E NT  3
E  S  5
E  H  4
E  D  3
E  C  3
W NT  3
W  S  5
W  H  4
W  D  3
W  C  3

[Event ""]
[Site ""]
[Date ""]
[Board "17"]
[West ""]
[North ""]
[East ""]
[South ""]
[Dealer "N"]
[Vulnerable "None"]
[Deal "N:AK864.J9.Q53.J84 .AQ632.AJ9874.96 JT752.K8.6.QT532 Q93.T754.KT2.AK7"]
[Scoring ""]
[Declarer ""]
[Contract ""]
[Result ""]
{<b>AUCTION. </b>Some Norths will pass here, a disciplined and perfectly
reasonable action but it might be a huge loser today. If North passes E/W ought
to have enough room here to identify their fit and values early, and bid to
game, or even slam, in a red suit. With the \HK misplaced declarer will have to
find the \DQ to make the slam. If North opens 1\S then South will surely bounce
to 4\S at their first turn over the likely Michaels cuebid from East, and now
what does West do with their balanced defensive hand? West could hardly be
blamed for trying for a penalty – which is a measly 100 today. 

<b>PLAY.  </b>In a heart slam you can afford to play trumps before testing
diamonds, while in diamonds you probably need to go after that suit at once. If
North has opened or shown values some declarers will see the \HK with South and
draw the right conclusions. 

<b>PASSING THOUGHTS.</b> I do not have strong feelings here, but I assume the
majority of my readers will open 1\H rather than 1\D. In each case South may
stretch to act and North will get the partnership to 4\S; the difference is
that E/W will be better aware of their partner's values early on. They should
find a way to buy the hand and East will surely drive to the five level.\n
As as a side issue: say North opens 2\S. Let's assume East makes a Michaels
cuebid and West doubles 4\S; is it best to play this as penalties or ‘Do
something intelligent’? Your answer may depend on what cards you are looking at
when you double! But perhaps in any event East should remove the double to 5\D?

ACBL Educational Foundation - July 2025 - Commentary from Barry Rigal and
Richard Fleet.}
[BCFlags "1f"]
[DoubleDummyTricks "491174911784cc594cc5"]
[Generator "BridgeComposer Version 5.107.1"]
[OptimumScore "NS -500"]
[ParContract "NS 6SX-3"]
[OptimumOpeningLeadTable "Leader;Denomination\2R;Result\2R;S\5;H\5;D\6;C"]
N NT  4 AK    J9    Q53    J84
N  S  9 AK    J9    Q53    J84
N  C  8 -     J9    -      J84
S NT  5 JT    -     -      -
S  S  9 JT752 -     6      QT532
S  H  1 JT752 -     6      QT532
S  D  1 JT752 -     6      QT532
S  C  8 -     -     -      QT532
E NT  9 -     A     J9874  96
E  H 12 -     AQ632 J9874  96
E  D 12 -     AQ632 J9874  96
E  C  6 -     -     AJ9874 -
W NT  9 -     T754  KT2    AK
W  H 12 Q93   T754  KT2    AK
W  D 12 Q93   T754  KT2    AK
W  C  6 Q93   -     KT2    -
[OptimumResultTable "Declarer;Denomination\2R;Result\2R"]
N NT  4
N  S  9
N  H  1
N  D  1
N  C  7
S NT  4
S  S  9
S  H  1
S  D  1
S  C  7
E NT  8
E  S  4
E  H 12
E  D 12
E  C  5
W NT  9
W  S  4
W  H 12
W  D 12
W  C  5

[Event ""]
[Site ""]
[Date ""]
[Board "18"]
[West ""]
[North ""]
[East ""]
[South ""]
[Dealer "E"]
[Vulnerable "NS"]
[Deal "E:965.K5.J65.KQ875 .A87632.QT872.94 A842.QT4.A94.AT2 KQJT73.J9.K3.J63"]
[Scoring ""]
[Declarer ""]
[Contract ""]
[Result ""]
{<b>AUCTION. </b>Another deal where your commentator finds it hard to predict
the auction with even the slightest confidence. First, will South preempt or
pass at unfavorable vulnerability in second seat? Who knows? If South acts,
they might even buy the hand in that contract. North will doubtless put down
dummy unhappily, but it turns out this is N/S's best spot. West has an
impossible lead – I’d opt for a low diamond myself – but almost all routes seem
 to lead to eight tricks and 110. By contrast if South passes, you could
imagine West opening 1NT – whether it be weak or strong. Now North can show
spades, and it will be well-nigh impossible for South to compete intelligently.


<b>PLAY. </b>A club partscore plays acceptably for E/W and a contract of 2NT is
impossible to beat – indeed if West plays safe by rejecting the finesse for the
\HJ declarer may walk away with +150. If West opens a strongish no-trump and
gets to 3NT, guessing the hearts will be hard (though perhaps not impossible if
West reflects on South's initial silence with 11 red cards).

<b>PASSING THOUGHTS.</b> Preempting with 6-5 shape is perfectly acceptable for
me, so long as the anchor suit has internal solidity. Take South’s hand and
make the hearts AJ10632 and 2\H is fine; I’d plan to jump to 4\D over a 2NT
ask.

ACBL Educational Foundation - July 2025 - Commentary from Barry Rigal and
Richard Fleet.}
[BCFlags "1f"]
[DoubleDummyTricks "46874468749756997559"]
[Generator "BridgeComposer Version 5.107.1"]
[OptimumScore "EW 400"]
[ParContract "EW 3N="]
[OptimumOpeningLeadTable "Leader;Denomination\2R;Result\1R;S\4;H\6;D\4;C"]
N NT 4 KQJT J9     K3   J63
N  D 8 KQJT -      -    -
S NT 4 -    A87632 872  94
S  D 7 -    A87632 T872 94
S  C 4 -    A87632 872  94
E NT 9 965  K5     65   KQ875
E  S 7 -    K5     65   KQ875
E  D 6 -    K5     J65  KQ875
W NT 9 A842 Q4     A    AT2
W  S 7 42   QT4    A    AT2
W  H 5 A    Q4     A94  AT2
W  D 6 -    Q4     A94  AT2
W  C 9 842  Q4     A94  AT2
[OptimumResultTable "Declarer;Denomination\2R;Result\1R"]
N NT 4
N  S 6
N  H 8
N  D 7
N  C 4
S NT 4
S  S 6
S  H 8
S  D 7
S  C 4
E NT 9
E  S 7
E  H 5
E  D 6
E  C 9
W NT 9
W  S 7
W  H 5
W  D 5
W  C 9

[Event ""]
[Site ""]
[Date ""]
[Board "19"]
[West ""]
[North ""]
[East ""]
[South ""]
[Dealer "S"]
[Vulnerable "EW"]
[Deal "S:K7.J6.AT982.QJ73 AT84.K542.J4.K65 Q963.Q8.Q765.T84 J52.AT973.K3.A92"]
[Scoring ""]
[Declarer ""]
[Contract ""]
[Result ""]
{<b>AUCTION. </b>Whether South opens the bidding or not, you’d expect E/W to
play hearts, but if you just look at their two hands, you’d far rather settle
in a heart partscore than play game. (Actually 3NT by East on a diamond lead is
not terrible, but really hard to reach.) Curiously if South does open the
bidding, then when West finds a light takeout double East will surely drive to
game. By contrast if South passes initially then West may do so too, letting
East play a heart partscore after a Drury sequence. 

<b>PLAY. </b>The play to 4\H by East is absolutely fascinating. Let’s posit a
top club lead after South has opened the bidding. Declarer wins in hand and
draws trump with the king and ace, preserving \H3, leads a spade to the ten and
queen, wins the club return and takes the \SA then \SJ, crosses to the \H4 and
ruffs the last spade, then exits in clubs. Whoever wins this trick will be
endplayed. 

<b>PASSING THOUGHTS.</b> Say the auction starts: (1\D)-x-(1\S): if East wants
to invite, rather than drive to game, in hearts -- say East's actual hand with
\CQ not \CK -- there are two ways to do that. They can jump to 3\H – which
should be more about shape than HCP, perhaps a hand more like \H KQJxx and a
king; or they can cuebid 2\D on the example hand, as an invitation in hearts or
any game force. West can sign off in 2\H, or make a natural forcing bid. 

ACBL Educational Foundation - July 2025 - Commentary from Barry Rigal and
Richard Fleet.}
[BCFlags "1f"]
[DoubleDummyTricks "343763437699a6799a67"]
[Generator "BridgeComposer Version 5.107.1"]
[OptimumScore "EW 620"]
[ParContract "EW 4H="]
[OptimumOpeningLeadTable "Leader;Denomination\2R;Result\2R;S\4;H\5;D\5;C"]
N NT  4 -    -     Q765  T84
N  S  4 3    Q8    Q765  T84
N  C  6 -    Q8    Q765  T84
S NT  4 -    -     AT982 QJ73
S  S  4 K7   J6    A     QJ73
S  C  6 -    J6    T982  QJ73
E NT 10 52   AT973 -     -
E  S  9 52   AT973 -     A92
E  H 10 52   AT973 -     A92
E  D  6 J52  AT973 -     A92
E  C  7 J52  AT973 -     A92
W NT 10 -    K542  -     -
W  S  9 AT84 K542  -     K65
W  H 10 -    K542  -     K65
W  D  6 AT84 K542  -     K65
W  C  7 AT84 K542  -     K65
[OptimumResultTable "Declarer;Denomination\2R;Result\2R"]
N NT  3
N  S  4
N  H  3
N  D  7
N  C  6
S NT  3
S  S  4
S  H  3
S  D  7
S  C  6
E NT  9
E  S  9
E  H 10
E  D  6
E  C  7
W NT  9
W  S  9
W  H 10
W  D  6
W  C  7

[Event ""]
[Site ""]
[Date ""]
[Board "20"]
[West ""]
[North ""]
[East ""]
[South ""]
[Dealer "W"]
[Vulnerable "All"]
[Deal "W:KQJ864.Q7.K76.T6 532.9643.AJ85.J8 97.J52.Q32.AK975 AT.AKT8.T94.Q432"]
[Scoring ""]
[Declarer ""]
[Contract ""]
[Result ""]
{<b>AUCTION. </b>Another challenging competitive auction is likely here. If E/W
play 2/1 GF, East must respond 1NT to 1\S, letting South find a light take-out
double if they dare (and yes, it is easier and safer to come in now than
balance over 2\S). Regardless, West will rebid 2\S, and some will buy it there.
If N/S find a way into the auction North may be able to show a two-suited hand
facing a double with a call of 2NT. The likely N/S resting place is 3\H, but
East ought surely either to double or compete to 3\S.

<b>PLAY. </b>E/W can be held to eight tricks. However, repeated heart leads by
the defense, let through the overtrick, and +140 will score West very nicely.
After a heart lead it appears South has a natural shift to \D10 to save the
overtrick. That may also be necessary after a trump lead to the \SA at trick
one. Repeated trump leads, for example, might see declarer come to the
overtrick, because the favorable lie of the clubs allows for a ruffing finesse.

<b>PASSING THOUGHTS</b>. At pairs when you can judge that the opponents will
score very well if their contract makes, AND your side was making their
contract, a double is almost free if your side has half the deck. In my view
these three conditions apply here. East should reason that  – selling out to
3\H can hardly be the best matchpoint score. And indeed, since 3\H goes one
down, the difference between +100 and +200 for E/W might easily be more than
half a top here. 

ACBL Educational Foundation - July 2025 - Commentary from Barry Rigal and
Richard Fleet.}
[BCFlags "1f"]
[DoubleDummyTricks "65886658866855768557"]
[Generator "BridgeComposer Version 5.107.1"]
[OptimumScore "EW 110"]
[ParContract "EW 2S="]
[OptimumOpeningLeadTable "Leader;Denomination\2R;Result\1R;S\3;H\4;D\3;C"]
N NT 7 -   9643 -   -
N  S 5 532 9643 -   J8
N  H 8 532 9643 -   J8
N  D 8 532 9643 -   J8
N  C 6 532 9643 -   J8
S NT 7 -   AK   T94 -
S  S 5 AT  AK   T94 Q432
S  D 8 T   AK   T94 432
S  C 6 AT  AK   T94 432
E NT 7 97  -    -   AK
E  S 8 97  J52  Q32 AK
E  H 5 97  52   32  AK
E  D 5 97  52   Q32 AK975
E  C 7 97  52   Q32 AK
W NT 7 KQJ -    -   T6
W  S 8 KQJ Q7   K76 T6
W  H 5 KQJ -    K   T6
W  D 5 KQJ -    K76 T6
W  C 7 KQJ -    K76 T6
[OptimumResultTable "Declarer;Denomination\2R;Result\1R"]
N NT 6
N  S 5
N  H 8
N  D 8
N  C 6
S NT 6
S  S 5
S  H 8
S  D 8
S  C 6
E NT 6
E  S 8
E  H 5
E  D 5
E  C 7
W NT 6
W  S 8
W  H 5
W  D 5
W  C 7
