Daily Bridge Club

2015 world titles

At the 2015 World Team Championships in Chennai, India, the United States entered two teams in the Bermuda Bowl (the Open Teams). Both reached the knockout stage. In the quarterfinals, one (“USA 1”) lost to England; the other (“USA 2”) trailed China by 11 IMPs with two deals left.

Then in today’s deal, the Chinese East-West stopped at four spades. Six spades would have been unbeatable, save for the 4-0 trump break; plus 650 was a lucky result for China.

BETTER

Things got better for the U.S. in the replay, where China’s North took a unilateral, ill-judged sacrifice. His 4NT asked South to choose a suit, and poor South had to play at five clubs doubled. The U.S. defense dropped a trick and beat the contract only six tricks, plus 1,400, and the U.S. gained 13 IMPs and held on to win the match.

In the semifinals, USA 2 lost narrowly to Sweden, then won the bronze-medal match against England. It was a creditable performance, considering the team included an inexperienced playing sponsor.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: ♠ None ♥ A10 9 7 6 ♦ K983 ♣ 10 9 5 4. Your partner opens one diamond, you respond one heart, he bids one spade and you try two diamonds. Partner then bids 2NT. What do you say?

ANSWER: Your two diamonds was a weak preference; your hand was a super-maximum for that action. Since partner has said game is possible, you must make a move; your ace of hearts is an ideal card. Bid five diamonds. He may hold AJ 76,3, A Q 1042,A J 2. East dealer E-W vulnerable