Bridge

systems Tournament and conventions, players focus as on if wielding an array of bidding gadgets will guarantee good results. If I were forming a partnership, we would discuss two matters that are just as important: treatments and individual style.

What is your partner’s style? Is he apt to overcall with nothing more than a good suit? Are his preempts textbookish or undisciplined?

A treatment is an interpretation of a natural bid, For example, a 1NT opening bid may show 12 to 14 points. You must agree on whether certain bids are forcing. Today’s North had an awkward call at his second turn. He had enough strength to invite game, so he jumped to three clubs on his A-K-5, thinking a jump-preference in an opening bidder’s minor suit was invitational. South believed three clubs was forcing; he bid 3NT though his hand was minimum. Three clubs would not have been a lovely spot, nor was 3NT, but at least South had a chance to score a game. West led a heart, and South won the second heart, led a club to dummy and returned a diamond to his queen, winning. He then led the ace and a third diamond. East took the king, and the defense cashed two hearts. West then led a spade to dummy’s ace. South took two good diamonds and a high club, but he lost a club at the end. Down one. North-South could have survived their misunderstanding. South takes the ace of spades at Trick Three, finesses in diamonds, then leads a low diamond. He preserves entries to both hands and can take his nine winners.