1994 Vantage Pairs	    HAND ANALYSES	   by Richard Pavlicek



This file contains the 36 deals played in the 1994 Instant Matchpoint
Pairs, sponsored by Vantage Travel.  The analyses by Richard Pavlicek
are exactly as published in the souvenir booklet.


Each deal is like a mini-lesson.  Even if you did not enter the event,
you can derive great benefit from studying the deals and the analyses.


Happy reading!


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1994 Vantage Pairs		BOARD 1		   by Richard Pavlicek



North Deals

None Vul



	S  8 2
	H  A 7 6
	D  A K 10 5
	C  A K J 9

S  K J          	S  10 4 3
H  Q 4 3 2      	H  K J 10 9 8
D  Q 9 8        	D  J 6 4
C  Q 8 6 3      	C  7 2

	S  A Q 9 7 6 5
	H  5
	D  7 3 2
	C  10 5 4



Almost all N-S pairs will reach 4 S, commonly after this auction:

West	North	East	South
	1 C	Pass	1 S
Pass	2 NT	Pass	4 S
All Pass			

South's final bid is a sign-off, not a slam try. The philosophy of 
most good pairs is to bid 3 S (forcing) or improvise some other bid if 
a slam were possible.

After the likely heart lead, routine play brings home 11 tricks. The 
proper play of the spade suit is to finesse deeply, then the queen. 
This assumes East will falsecard with the 10 on the second round. If 
East would not falsecard, the best play for five tricks is the ace on 
the second round. The logic is that West must hold J-10 or K-J 
doubleton to succeed, and restricted choice favors the latter. Of 
course, if declarer takes this position, he risks a big disappointment 
if West shows out.

Flim-flam award: How about the eight of clubs lead? Sure enough; 
declarer has a logical path to go down one -- probably with nightmares 
the rest of the week.



1994 Vantage Pairs		BOARD 2		   by Richard Pavlicek



East Deals

N-S Vul



	S  Q J
	H  9 8 6 5
	D  A J
	C  K 8 7 4 2

S  10 8 4       	S  K 5 2
H  A 7 3        	H  J 10 2
D  K 10 4       	D  8 6 5
C  A 9 6 3      	C  Q J 10 5

	S  A 9 7 6 3
	H  K Q 4
	D  Q 9 7 3 2
	C  --



Forcing notrump advocates are likely to produce:

West	North	East	South
		Pass	1 S
Pass	1 NT*	Pass	2 D
Pass	2 NT	Pass	3 D
Pass	3 S	All Pass	

Perhaps North should bid 4 S on the third round because of his honors 
in partner's suits; but considering the doubtful C K, the conservative 
view is reasonable. South, of course, is happy to get out below game.

South can win nine tricks in spades. Assume the S 4 lead; queen, king, 
ace; diamond finesse; D A; heart to king, ace. If West now leads a 
second trump, declarer has enough time to lead a third trump and give 
up a diamond. West can make things awkward with a heart return, but 
declarer can still prevail: Win the H Q; ruff a diamond; exit with a 
heart to East; ruff the club return, and lead a trump to West. If West 
leads the C A, ruff and lead your last trump (North wins the last two 
tricks); if West instead leads a low club, win the king and lead the 
good heart to nullify East's small spade.



1994 Vantage Pairs		BOARD 3		   by Richard Pavlicek



South Deals

E-W Vul



	S  A K 10 6
	H  K Q 5 4
	D  J 10 8
	C  J 9

S  8 7 4        	S  9
H  J 6 2        	H  A 9 8 7 3
D  K 6 5        	D  A 7 4 3
C  K 8 7 3      	C  6 4 2

	S  Q J 5 3 2
	H  10
	D  Q 9 2
	C  A Q 10 5



South's opening bid violates the textbooks (he lacks two quick tricks) 
but I think most will do so, especially at the vulnerability. Here is 
a sequence using 3 NT as a balanced forcing raise:

West	North	East	South
			1 S
Pass	3 NT*	Pass	4 S
All Pass			

Even if South passes originally, the same contract is likely to be 
reached after 1 D (better minor) by North; 1 S by South; 2 S; 4 S. 
Four spades should be down one with the club finesse off, but declarer 
has a good chance to succeed with a clever play. Assume West makes a 
passive trump lead. Win the S K and immediately lead the C 9 to the 
queen -- note the waste of a club spot to conceal the suit's potential 
for discards. When West wins the C K, he is likely to continue with 
another trump. Thank you, sir. Unblock the C J; lead a third trump to 
your hand; discard two diamonds, and lead a heart.

On an expert plane, West should not fall for this ruse: Declarer's 
line of play, along with East's count signal in clubs, makes the 
diamond switch stand out.



1994 Vantage Pairs		BOARD 4		   by Richard Pavlicek



West Deals

Both Vul



	S  9 7 6
	H  10 5 2
	D  K 10 6 5
	C  Q 4 3

S  Q J 8        	S  4 3
H  A K 4        	H  Q J 7 6 3
D  Q            	D  J 8 4 2
C  K J 10 8 7 2 	C  A 6

	S  A K 10 5 2
	H  9 8
	D  A 9 7 3
	C  9 5



The first round of bidding should be duplicated at every table:

West	North	East	South
1 C	Pass	1 H	1 S
2 H	Pass	3 H	Pass
4 H	All Pass		

The diversions will be at West's second turn, where the reasonable 
options are 2 C, 2 H (my choice) and the latest fad, the support 
double.

I do not favor the support double. It takes away a useful penalty 
double (especially at the two-level) and the advantage is negligible. 
To differentiate between three- and four-card raises is just as 
helpful to the enemy in deciding whether to compete; and it paints a 
better picture for the opening leader. My philosophy is to raise with 
three cards when judgment dictates; the occasional 4-3 fits reached 
are likely to be superior contracts.

After a spade lead, East can always win 10 tricks at hearts; however, 
this requires double-dummy play if the defenders tap dummy exactly 
once. To succeed, declarer must force out the top spade (if not 
previously cashed) and then run the C J; or, assuming South has led 
the D A, play to squeeze North in the minors.



1994 Vantage Pairs		BOARD 5		   by Richard Pavlicek



North Deals

N-S Vul



	S  J
	H  A 3
	D  K Q 8 7 5 4
	C  8 7 6 2

S  K Q 10 9     	S  A 8 7
H  K Q J 7      	H  10 9 6 4 2
D  J 9 3        	D  A
C  J 4          	C  Q 10 9 3

	S  6 5 4 3 2
	H  8 5
	D  10 6 2
	C  A K 5



A weak two-bid by North and a raise by South may provoke West or East 
into a doubtful action. Here is one possibility:

West	North	East	South
	2 D	Pass	3 D
Dbl	Pass	4 H	All Pass

West's double is clearly an overstatement but reasonable at the 
vulnerability with two sturdy major suits; East's jump to game is 
irrefutable. A great contract is reached unless the defenders can find 
the spade ruff.

After the C K lead, is it logical for South to shift to a spade? At 
IMPs, yes, because the contract is surely unbeatable if North lacks a 
major-suit ace. (The spade shift also works if North has S A, H x-x.) 
But at matchpoints this could easily cost an overtrick -- for example, 
if East held S A-x-x, H A-x-x-x-x, D x, C Q-x-x-x, the diamond loser 
will go away. Perhaps in an event like this, in which high scores are 
necessary to win, South should ignore the concern about overtricks and 
go for the set. The actual choice may depend on the state of your game 
at the time.



1994 Vantage Pairs		BOARD 6		   by Richard Pavlicek



East Deals

E-W Vul



	S  J 10
	H  K 9 7 2
	D  K 9 7 6 5 3
	C  5

S  7 5          	S  A K 9 6 4 3
H  Q 8 6 3      	H  J 10 5
D  2            	D  A Q 8 4
C  Q J 10 8 6 3 	C  --

	S  Q 8 2
	H  A 4
	D  J 10
	C  A K 9 7 4 2



This deal may revive some bad memories, especially for those who 
became declarer. It is easy to get into trouble. Here is a sensible 
auction:

West	North	East	South
		1 S	2 C
Pass	2 D	2 S	All Pass

Two spades is just right for E-W. After a high club lead, ruffed, 
declarer wins the D A and ruffs a diamond; the next club lead is 
uppercut by North and overruffed; then another diamond is led. Assume 
South ruffs with the S 8, then gets a third-round heart ruff. The 
defenders can win one more trick, either by a second uppercut or by 
returning a trump (East is left with a diamond loser). I see no way to 
stop East from scoring eight tricks.

In diamonds North can win only seven tricks. Assume three rounds of 
spades, ruffed and overruffed, then a club: East ruffs and shifts to 
the H J, then declarer must lose three more trump tricks (or two 
trumps and a heart) depending on the play.

I suppose some Souths will play in clubs. This is a lovely strain -- at 
least from West's point of view -- and easy to analyze. South will 
emerge with five tricks and one headache.



1994 Vantage Pairs		BOARD 7		   by Richard Pavlicek



South Deals

Both Vul



	S  10 9
	H  K 6 4 2
	D  K J 7 5
	C  A 9 3

S  8 6 3        	S  K Q J 4 2
H  A            	H  9 7 5
D  A Q 10       	D  9 4 3 2
C  K J 10 8 7 5 	C  2

	S  A 7 5
	H  Q J 10 8 3
	D  8 6
	C  Q 6 4



West has an awkward rebid after the 1 S response -- 2 C is an underbid, 
3 C an overbid, and a spade raise is misdirected. I would get too high 
on this one:

West	North	East	South
			Pass
1 C	Pass	1 S	Pass
3 C	Pass	3 S	Pass
4 S	All Pass		

East's spade rebid is also doubtful but hard to fault. The only 
sensible alternative is to pass.

On a good day 4 S would roll, but it has no legitimate play as the 
cards lie. Some might swindle 10 tricks with this line: Win the H A; 
lead a spade to the king (ducked) then a club to the jack, ace; ruff 
the heart return; throw a heart on the C K; ruff a club; force out the 
S A, and finesse the diamond return. To defeat the contract, North 
must now return a diamond into dummy's tenace -- an obvious play for an 
expert, but many will lead a heart.

Those who play in clubs can be held to just seven tricks: North leads 
the S 10 (ducked by South), then gets a spade ruff after winning the 
C A. Declarer still has to lose two diamonds and a club. Considering 
this ill fate, I like East's spade rebid even more.



1994 Vantage Pairs		BOARD 8		   by Richard Pavlicek



West Deals

None Vul



	S  Q
	H  10 8 3
	D  10 2
	C  K 10 8 7 6 4 2

S  K 10 8 6 5   	S  9
H  A 9 2        	H  K Q J 6
D  9 4          	D  A Q J 7 6
C  Q 5 3        	C  A J 9

	S  A J 7 4 3 2
	H  7 5 4
	D  K 8 5 3
	C  --



North's club suit is flimsy, but it is surely the right tactics to 
open 3 C. This poses a problem for East: A double is out of the 
question with a singleton spade. Possible solutions are a brazen 3 NT, 
or 3 H on a four-card suit (for the post-mortem put the D A in with 
your hearts); but I think most experts would bid 3 D. This should 
produce:

West	North	East	South
Pass	3 C	3 D	Pass
3 S	Pass	3 NT	All Pass

After a spade lead, declarer should go right up with the king -- this 
may appear to be based on hindsight, but North's weak opening bid and 
the need for an entry to dummy make it clearly correct. After that it 
is smooth sailing for 10 tricks: Lead the C Q, king, ace; force out 
the D K, and use dummy's remaining entry to pick up the clubs. It 
makes no difference if South cashes one or both of his spade winners.

Declarer was lucky, of course, to catch North's singleton S Q; but 
nine tricks would be easy any time the king held. If declarer ducked 
the spade lead, he would lose both his spade trick and the entry to 
dummy -- although nine tricks could still be won as the cards lie.



1994 Vantage Pairs		BOARD 9		   by Richard Pavlicek



North Deals

E-W Vul



	S  10 9 5
	H  Q 10 9 5 3
	D  A
	C  K Q 9 5

S  Q 7 4 3 2    	S  A J 6
H  J 7 6        	H  K 4 2
D  Q 5          	D  J 9 8 7 6
C  8 7 4        	C  J 10

	S  K 8
	H  A 8
	D  K 10 4 3 2
	C  A 6 3 2



Most Norths will open 1 H (Roth-Stoners excepted). Here is a probable 
sequence playing "two-over-one game forcing":

West	North	East	South
	1 H	Pass	2 D
Pass	2 H	Pass	2 NT
Pass	3 NT	All Pass	

After a spade lead to the ace and a spade back, declarer has eight 
tricks. It is possible to establish three more tricks in hearts, but 
they could not be enjoyed -- the defenders would win a heart and run 
the spades. The only chance is to develop an end position, and there 
are several ways to do this.

One way to make 3 NT is to cash all your minor-suit winners ending in 
dummy and then exit with a spade. After running the spades, West must 
lead a heart and you will succeed if you play the 10 from dummy. Note, 
however, that you would need to play dummy's queen if West held the 
king. It is really just a guess.

The optimum contract is 4 H (North's heart rebid was a step in the 
right direction). Declarer can discard a spade on the D K and win 11 
tricks with a heart guess, or 10 tricks if he misguesses.



1994 Vantage Pairs		BOARD 10	   by Richard Pavlicek



East Deals

Both Vul



	S  Q 9 7
	H  A K J 5 3 2
	D  K 6
	C  K 7

S  A 10 5 3     	S  K J 6
H  4            	H  10 8 7 6
D  A J 10 8 7   	D  9 4 3
C  8 3 2        	C  10 9 4

	S  8 4 2
	H  Q 9
	D  Q 5 2
	C  A Q J 6 5



After a light, third-seat opening by West, N-S should reach game with 
this auction:

West	North	East	South
		Pass	Pass
1 D	1 H	Pass	1 NT
Pass	3 NT	All Pass	

North uses good judgment not to rebid his hearts; the raise to 3 NT is 
correct at any form of scoring, and especially at matchpoints.

Should West find the killing spade lead? It often pays to lead an 
undisclosed second suit when the opponents bid notrump over your first 
suit, but I would not in this instance. The potential in diamonds far 
outweighs the potential in spades. Further, West's singleton heart 
increases the chance that East has a heart stopper, and there is no 
indication from the bidding that South has a running club suit. I must 
admit that I would hand over 12 tricks with the D J lead.

Those who play in 4 H (or 3 NT by North) should not fare so well. 
After a diamond lead by East, the perspective is different. West can 
see the running clubs in dummy, so it is probably right (definitely 
right at IMPs) to win the D A and switch to a low spade.



1994 Vantage Pairs		BOARD 11	   by Richard Pavlicek



South Deals

None Vul



	S  K 4
	H  A Q J 10 7
	D  10 8 7 2
	C  4 3

S  10 7 6 2     	S  A Q 9 8 5 3
H  9 8 5 3      	H  K
D  J 5          	D  A K Q
C  K J 2        	C  8 7 6

	S  J
	H  6 4 2
	D  9 6 4 3
	C  A Q 10 9 5



After a third-seat 1 H opening by North, some might consider East's 
hand too strong for a 1 S overall. If the H K were in clubs I would 
agree, but on the actual hand I much prefer:

West	North	East	South
			Pass
Pass	1 H	1 S	2 H
2 S	Pass	4 S	All Pass

West's raise may appear on the weak side, but his hand has far more 
potential than its point count indicates. The four small hearts mark 
East with shortness there, so the hand should fit well; and who could 
resist with four trumps.

The play in spades is basically a finessing drill. After a heart and 
heart, the proper play is to cash three diamonds to discard a club, 
then lead a club. This allows you to reach dummy with a club and take 
the spade finesse to win 11 tricks.

The recommended line of play is not foolproof. On a bad day North 
might ruff the third diamond, or get an overruff (if it were possible 
to misguess clubs) --  only to discover that plopping down the S A 
would have dropped the king.



1994 Vantage Pairs		BOARD 12	   by Richard Pavlicek



West Deals

N-S Vul



	S  K Q 4
	H  Q 9
	D  J 10 7 3 2
	C  Q 9 7

S  J 10 7 3     	S  A 9
H  10           	H  A 8 7 4 3
D  K 8 6        	D  A 9 5
C  K J 8 5 3    	C  A 10 4

	S  8 6 5 2
	H  K J 6 5 2
	D  Q 4
	C  6 2



It is debatable what East should open. The "aces and spaces" suggest 
opening 1 H, but rebid considerations suggest opening 1 NT. I slightly 
prefer the latter:

West	North	East	South
Pass	Pass	1 NT	Pass
2 C	Pass	2 H	Pass
2 NT	Pass	3 NT	All Pass

West has a routine Stayman response, then he invites game in notrump. 
Perhaps East should rebid 3 H over 2 NT to show five --  this should be 
interpreted as forcing, offering a choice of games --  but the drawback 
is the additional information given to the opponents.

South's choice of leads will affect the result. After a spade lead, 
declarer can capture the queen and return the S 9 (ducked) then C A, 
C 10 losing to North. On a heart shift, declarer can win the second 
round and make 10 tricks; but it seems wise to cash out for nine.

A heart lead is more effective, but declarer can still get home (even 
after losing a club) by capitalizing on the lucky spade lie and 
South's entryless hand.

The best lead is the D Q (of course you found it). To succeed now, 
declarer must finesse North for the C Q --  surely a double-dummy play.



1994 Vantage Pairs		BOARD 13	   by Richard Pavlicek



North Deals

Both Vul



	S  Q 9 2
	H  K J 8 3
	D  10 8 7 5 4
	C  3

S  A 5          	S  6 4
H  7 4          	H  Q 10 9 6 5 2
D  A K Q J 2    	D  3
C  K J 9 6      	C  10 7 4 2

	S  K J 10 8 7 3
	H  A
	D  9 6
	C  A Q 8 5



West's hand is a bit hefty for an overcall; but considering the lack 
of heart support, it seems unwise to double and bid diamonds later. I 
prefer the simple overcall, hoping for a chance to act again:

West	North	East	South
	Pass	Pass	1 S
2 D	2 S	Pass	4 S
All Pass			

Well, I got my second chance. Unfortunately, the auction is too high 
to justify another bid. It would be reasonable to double 4 S 
(especially in this event) but the prudent course is to pass.

West leads a high diamond and, assuming standard count, he can tell 
from East's spot that it must be a singleton. (Upside-down signalers 
could not be sure here, but in fairness the situation is reversed when 
East has a high singleton.) Actually, it is not really important 
whether a second diamond will cash because the appearance of dummy 
makes a trump shift obvious. West should lead the ace and another 
spade.

Declarer has no chance after the trump plays; down one is the par 
result.



1994 Vantage Pairs		BOARD 14	   by Richard Pavlicek



East Deals

None Vul



	S  K 3
	H  9 7 5 4
	D  Q 7 6 2
	C  6 4 3

S  8 5 4        	S  A Q J 7 2
H  K 10 2       	H  A 8 6 3
D  K J 5 4      	D  10 9
C  A K Q        	C  8 5

	S  10 9 6
	H  Q J
	D  A 8 3
	C  J 10 9 7 2



The E-W bidding will vary according to system and judgment. I like 
this standard auction:

West	North	East	South
		1 S	Pass
2 NT	Pass	3 H	Pass
3 NT	All Pass		

West is conservative with his 16-point hand because of the 4-3-3-3 
shape and three-small in partner's suit. Most experienced players have 
reached enough bad slams in the past to heed these warning signs. Also 
note West's decision not to show a preference to spades; the same 
number of tricks should be won in notrump.

After a diamond lead to the ace and a diamond back, declarer should 
finesse it. Shortly thereafter he will claim 11 tricks for a slightly 
above average result.

Note that declarer could win 12 tricks by refusing the diamond finesse 
--  thanks to the doubleton H Q-J or a squeeze against North --  though 
this is double-dummy. Hopping with the D K would cost a trick if the 
spade finesse lost. The only logical path to 12 tricks would occur if 
South did not return a diamond at trick two (the C J shift is 
reasonable).



1994 Vantage Pairs		BOARD 15	   by Richard Pavlicek



South Deals

N-S Vul



	S  3
	H  A 9 4 3
	D  6 2
	C  K Q 10 8 3 2

S  A 10 5       	S  K J 9 2
H  10 8 7 2     	H  K J 6
D  4 3          	D  K 10 9 8 7
C  9 7 5 4      	C  A

	S  Q 8 7 6 4
	H  Q 5
	D  A Q J 5
	C  J 6



On boards 3 and 9, I would make borderline opening bids, but here I 
draw the line. South's hand has too many defects (bad suit, wasted 
honors, lack of two quick tricks) and the vulnerability is 
unfavorable.

West	North	East	South
			Pass
Pass	3 C	Dbl	Pass
3 H	All Pass		

I would come to life, however, in the North seat with an aggressive 
preempt. The 3 C opening is risky but its effectiveness is proved once 
again: East's routine takeout double leads to an unglamorous 3 H 
contract. If you are wondering if West should pass the double, forget 
it --  unless you see a way to beat 3 C (North might even win 10 
tricks).

Against 3 H North leads the C K. Yuk. I suppose a realistic play is a 
spade to the 10; then a diamond to the king, ace. Assume the defense 
continues with a spade ruff; diamond queen; spade ruff; club, ruffed 
in dummy. Declarer cannot avoid the loss of three more tricks. That 
comes to down three, but not a disaster.



1994 Vantage Pairs		BOARD 16	   by Richard Pavlicek



West Deals

E-W Vul



	S  Q 8
	H  J 10 9 3
	D  K
	C  A Q 8 6 5 3

S  K J 10 7     	S  3
H  K 6          	H  A 8 7 5 4
D  10 9 6 2     	D  A Q J 8 5 3
C  10 7 2       	C  K

	S  A 9 6 5 4 2
	H  Q 2
	D  7 4
	C  J 9 4



The theme for these deals seems to be "Borderline Opening Bids." I 
think most Norths will open 1 C, after which the bidding will take 
many turns. The best bid to describe the East hand is an unusual 
notrump overcall showing the two lower unbid suits.

West	North	East	South
Pass	1 C	2 NT	3 S
4 D	Pass	5 D	All Pass

If South butts in with 3 S, West should compete to 4 D (the plus value 
of the four trumps and K-x in hearts outweighs the negative aspect of 
the spade strength) and I think East is worth a raise to game. At 
least this is obvious looking at all four hands. In the real world I 
would expect most E-W pairs to stop short.

There is little to the play in diamonds. It looks foolproof for 11 
tricks, but in scanning the past results I noticed a disturbing number 
of -130 scores for N-S. Could the defense be that good across the 
Atlantic? Or did some declarers "misguess" diamonds and lose to the 
singleton king onside? We'll never know, but I guess it is possible if 
you never lead trumps and crossruff.



1994 Vantage Pairs		BOARD 17	   by Richard Pavlicek



North Deals

None Vul



	S  A 6 5 3 2
	H  K Q 8 2
	D  9
	C  Q 7 2

S  4            	S  K J 10 9 7
H  A 10 9 5 3   	H  6
D  A Q 8 3      	D  K 10 5 4
C  9 8 4        	C  K J 10

	S  Q 8
	H  J 7 4
	D  J 7 6 2
	C  A 6 5 3



Another one! A strong case could be made for passing North's barren 
collection, but I would open (now there's evidence for passing). Here 
is a likely auction:

West	North	East	South
	1 S	Pass	1 NT
2 H	Pass	2 NT	All Pass

West's overcall is not a thing of beauty but hard to resist. Perhaps 
East should bid 3 NT with all his sturdy spot cards, but 2 NT it is 
probably right --  especially if West's overcall is typical for his 
style.

After South leads the S Q, he may never respect his partner's bid 
again. East wins the king and pounds away at spades, deceptively 
throwing a club from dummy. When North wins the S A, a heart shift is 
difficult (East might have the H J) so most will lead a club; jack, 
ace. Now declarer has 11 tricks with the soon-to-be-indicated diamond 
finesse. That's pretty good mileage for only 21 HCP!

Even if North finds the heart shift, West can take nine tricks (four 
spades, four diamonds and a heart) but some declarers will then lead 
a club to the king (North did open the bidding, remember) and wind up 
with only eight tricks. At least this would justify the bidding.



1994 Vantage Pairs		BOARD 18	   by Richard Pavlicek



East Deals

N-S Vul



	S  K J 3
	H  A J 3
	D  Q 10 8 4
	C  10 6 4

S  8 7 6        	S  A Q 10 4 2
H  8 6 5        	H  K 10 9
D  7 5 2        	D  A 3
C  K 8 7 5      	C  A J 9

	S  9 5
	H  Q 7 4 2
	D  K J 9 6
	C  Q 3 2



This auction seems etched in the cards:

West	North	East	South
		1 S	Pass
Pass	1 NT	Dbl	All Pass

North's balancing 1 NT shows 11-15 HCP (with 16-18 the proper action 
is to double first). East's double is optional --  essentially it shows 
18+ HCP --  and West correctly passes with his flat hand.

After the S 4 lead, declarer wins cheaply and attacks diamonds. East 
then should realize he must find West with the H A or C K. The king is 
more likely so he shifts to the C J; queen, king; then a spade return 
allows East to run his suit. Eventually, East is endplayed so declarer 
escapes for down one. (If East wins the first diamond, declarer can 
still negotiate the endplay.)

Some Easts will play in spades where eight tricks are likely. It is 
possible to win nine tricks, even after a non-helpful diamond lead: 
Win the D A, exit with a diamond, and ruff the diamond return; then 
exit with a low spade. Assuming a heart switch, win the H K and exit 
with a heart. If the defenders return a trump (best), declarer has to 
backward finesse clubs (run the C J then finesse the nine).



1994 Vantage Pairs		BOARD 19	   by Richard Pavlicek



South Deals

E-W Vul



	S  J 7
	H  A 10 8 7 6 4 2
	D  --
	C  A 10 8 7

S  K 10 6       	S  Q 8 5 4 3
H  K 9 3        	H  Q 5
D  10 9 2       	D  8 6 5 4
C  9 5 4 2      	C  K J

	S  A 9 2
	H  J
	D  A K Q J 7 3
	C  Q 6 3



Some N-S pairs will get overboard on this misfit deal, probably to a 
doomed 6 H contract. Here is a well-judged auction to the best 
contract:

West	North	East	South
			1 D
Pass	1 H	Pass	3 D
Pass	3 H	Pass	3 NT
Pass	4 H	All Pass	

North expects to face a singleton heart or a void in dummy, so he 
wisely rejects a move toward slam.

Exactly 11 tricks should be made in hearts. Curiously, East can lead 
any card in his hand and the outcome is the same --  even the H 5 does 
not help declarer provided West covers the jack and East shifts to a 
spade. After the normal spade lead, declarer wins the ace and simply 
rattles off diamonds, throwing away losers. Note that if West ruffs 
the fourth diamond, it will cost him a trump trick (declarer can 
either overruff or discard).

The few Souths who declarer 3 NT may be blessed with a club lead, 
resulting in 11 tricks and an unearned near-top score. After a spade 
lead, however, the most declarer can generate is 10 tricks, which 
succumbs to all the 4 H bidders (justice at last).



1994 Vantage Pairs		BOARD 20	   by Richard Pavlicek



West Deals

Both Vul



	S  10 9 6 5 3
	H  Q
	D  8 7 5
	C  K Q 8 5

S  A J 2        	S  K Q 7 4
H  J 10 6 4 2   	H  K 8 5 3
D  J 2          	D  6
C  A 6 3        	C  J 10 9 2

	S  8
	H  A 9 7
	D  A K Q 10 9 4 3
	C  7 4



A minor-suit game is the most difficult to reach. It's like aiming for 
the outer ring of an archery target --  even when you hit it, you feel 
you are missing something better. Here is a sensible auction with E-W 
silent:

West	North	East	South
Pass	Pass	Pass	1 D
Pass	1 S	Pass	3 D
Pass	4 D	Pass	4 H
Pass	5 D	All Pass	

At many tables E-W will be in the bidding. Some will open the East 
hand in third seat; others will overcall 1 H as West; and I suppose a 
few will open the West hand. I guess they should be bidding since 4 H 
makes, provided West leads a low heart (not the jack) to the king.

Against 5 D the only troublesome lead is a trump. Declarer should not 
ruff a heart immediately since he cannot ruff the other. The obvious 
solution is to lead clubs twice toward the K-Q to develop a discard; 
or lead a spade first and make the club plays later.

Some pairs no doubt will play in 3 NT (is this not true on every 
deal?) and learn that eight tricks do not always produce nine. A few 
might succeed from the North side if East leads a low heart, ducked to 
the queen.



1994 Vantage Pairs		BOARD 21	   by Richard Pavlicek



North Deals

N-S Vul



	S  3
	H  A Q J 4 2
	D  Q 9 3
	C  A K J 3

S  K Q          	S  J 8 6 5 4 2
H  K 7 6        	H  10 8 3
D  A K 10 6 4   	D  8
C  7 6 5        	C  Q 10 2

	S  A 10 9 7
	H  9 5
	D  J 7 5 2
	C  9 8 4



Noting the favorable vulnerability for E-W, I can picture this 
scenario at some tables:

West	North	East	South
	1 H	2 S	Pass
Pass	Dbl	All Pass	

East's 2 S is not your classic weak jump overcall; but the way some of 
the activists bid today, the sixth spade and the 3 HCP might be 
considered "extras." North reopens with a takeout double and South 
converts it to penalty. Meanwhile, West is wondering if he took his 
cards out of the wrong board.

Perfect defense will set the contract two tricks. After the H 9 lead 
to the jack, North cashes the C K and South discourages with the four. 
North must now shift to a spade (or cash the C A then shift) so South 
can lead a second heart before declarer is able to discard on the 
diamonds. If North errs by leading three rounds of clubs (or cashing 
the H A and giving South a ruff), declarer escapes for down one.

Having sat quietly through all this, West may deliver the parting 
shot, "Sorry, partner. I'll try to have a better hand for you next 
time."



1994 Vantage Pairs		BOARD 22	   by Richard Pavlicek



East Deals

E-W Vul



	S  A Q 10 9 7 6 5
	H  A 9 2
	D  10
	C  5 4

S  K 8          	S  J 4 2
H  Q 10 3       	H  K 8 5 4
D  A K J 7 6    	D  Q 3
C  K 7 3        	C  10 9 8 6

	S  3
	H  J 7 6
	D  9 8 5 4 2
	C  A Q J 2



The E-W pairs who play strong notrumps are likely to duplicate this 
auction:

West	North	East	South
		Pass	Pass
1 NT	2 S	All Pass	

East may feel he should do something with 6 HCP, but there is no 
sensible action to take. If you were thinking of a negative double, 
forget it! This is a penalty double situation (barring unusual 
agreements).

North can be held to eight tricks with a heart lead (or a diamond lead 
and a heart switch), but East will most likely choose the C 10. This 
allows declarer to finesse the club and later discard a heart on the 
third club to win nine easy tricks.

A clever, but risky matchpoint tactic by North is to double the 1 NT 
opening. Assuming this is passed out, North should lead the S A to 
cater to K-x or J-x in any hand. This could be a disaster if West held 
K-J-x, but as the cards lie it nets a sweet result of +200 with E-W 
vulnerable. That's how to win big events!



1994 Vantage Pairs		BOARD 23	   by Richard Pavlicek



South Deals

Both Vul



	S  10 9 8 6 3
	H  J 10 9 6
	D  8 7
	C  Q 5

S  K 5 4        	S  A J 2
H  Q 7 5        	H  A 8
D  10 9 6 5 3   	D  K Q J
C  K 3          	C  A 10 9 8 2

	S  Q 7
	H  K 4 3 2
	D  A 4 2
	C  J 7 6 4



East has only 19 HCP, but holding a five-card suit and good texture, 
I think it is worth a 2 NT bid --  especially in fourth seat. This 
simplifies the bidding:

West	North	East	South
			Pass
Pass	Pass	2 NT	Pass
3 NT	All Pass		

South has an unattractive hand to lead from. Most will choose a low 
heart, which works out best. After winning one of his stoppers (H A or 
H Q), declarer attacks diamonds, then South drives out his remaining 
stopper. Eleven tricks are now cashable with the S Q falling, but this 
is hardly the normal play at matchpoints. The tally will vary from 9 
to 12 tricks, depending on declarer's play and South's discarding.

Consider a likely scenario if declarer wins the H Q first: On the 
fourth diamond East throws a club, as does South; on the last diamond 
East throws another club (the ten for show). If South copies again, 
declarer has a new club winner. After cashing the clubs, declarer can 
deduce that South must have the S Q (else he would keep his club 
stopper) so 12 tricks come rolling home.



1994 Vantage Pairs		BOARD 24	   by Richard Pavlicek



West Deals

None Vul



	S  8 6 5
	H  K 8
	D  10 4
	C  K Q 9 8 5 2

S  2            	S  10 9 7
H  10 7 5 4     	H  A Q J 9 6 2
D  Q J 6 2      	D  K 8 3
C  J 7 6 4      	C  A

	S  A K Q J 4 3
	H  3
	D  A 9 7 5
	C  10 3



"Hearts vs. Spades" is a great boxing card because it usually means 
action. To wit:

West	North	East	South
Pass	Pass	1 H	1 S
2 H	2 S	4 H	4 S
Pass	Pass	Dbl	All Pass

There will be many diversions: North might open 3 C (I like it), South 
might jump in spades (a direct 4 S is reasonable), or West might think 
he is too weak to bid. The deal actually belongs to E-W (5 H is 
unbeatable), but most tables will play 4 S, often undoubled.

Four spades can always be made, but it is doubtful that declarer 
should succeed against sound defense. Assume a heart lead and 
continuation, ruffed. The proper play is a low diamond to prepare for 
a ruff. Assume West wins the D J and makes the accurate return of a 
trump. To succeed, declarer must ruff a diamond immediately --  a 
dubious play because it leaves the last diamond naked. A more likely 
play is to lead the C 10 to the king, ace. Now East plays a second 
trump and declarer is knocked out: If he ruffs a diamond, he is 
stranded in dummy (down two with the club ruff); if he runs his 
trumps, West clings to all his clubs.



1994 Vantage Pairs		BOARD 25	   by Richard Pavlicek



North Deals

E-W Vul



	S  J 9 3
	H  6
	D  Q 10 7 6
	C  A 9 8 6 5

S  K 5 4 2      	S  Q 7 6
H  Q 8 7 5 4    	H  A 10
D  J 5          	D  A K 9 3 2
C  K Q          	C  10 7 2

	S  A 10 8
	H  K J 9 3 2
	D  8 4
	C  J 4 3



Some Souths who overcall will see the flashing blue lights in their 
rear-view mirror. Caught speeding:

West	North	East	South
	Pass	1 D	1 H
Pass	Pass	Dbl	All Pass

Assuming E-W play negative doubles, West should pass 1 H and wait for 
East to reopen. West should not be concerned that the penalty will be 
insufficient because the offensive potential of his hand is poor.

South should be held to five tricks. After the D J lead (queen, king) 
East returns the C 2 (least of evils) to the queen, ace. Declarer 
leads the S 3 to the ten, king; West wins the C K and returns a 
diamond to East's nine; then the D A is ruffed and overruffed. West 
now must help declarer with a spade or heart return, but the defense 
can win three more tricks one way or another.

Many E-W pairs will play in notrump, usually taking eight tricks. Nine 
tricks can be won from the East side after a low heart lead: Win the 
H 10; lead a diamond to the jack, queen; win the club return, and 
finesse the D 9 (double-dummy maybe). Running the diamonds forces 
South to let go a spade; then a spade to the king, spade duck 
establishes the queen.



1994 Vantage Pairs		BOARD 26	   by Richard Pavlicek



East Deals

Both Vul



	S  Q 10 4
	H  K 10 9 8 7 4
	D  9 7 2
	C  Q

S  J 9 6 2      	S  7 5 3
H  Q 6 5 3 2    	H  --
D  Q 10         	D  J 8 4 3
C  A 6          	C  J 9 5 4 3 2

	S  A K 8
	H  A J
	D  A K 6 5
	C  K 10 8 7



South has a borderline 2 C (versus 2 NT) opening. Assuming the 
optimistic view, I would bid this way:

West	North	East	South
		Pass	2 C
Pass	2 D	Pass	2 NT
Pass	3 D*	Pass	3 H
Pass	4 H*	All Pass	

Three diamonds is a Jacoby transfer bid, then the raise to game is a 
mild slam try. The logic is that if there were no hope for slam, North 
would bid 4 D over 2 NT as a Texas transfer to 4 H. South has already 
stretched for his 2 C bid, so he wisely rejects.

Eleven tricks should be won in hearts. It is possible to win 12 on a 
trump coup: Win any lead (say, a spade); force out the C A; win any 
return (say, a spade); run the H J (optional); cash the D A-K and C K, 
throwing a diamond; ruff a minor; spade to your hand; overruff a 
minor, then cross to the H A. Beautiful, but also double-dummy. The 
coup is impossible to execute if declarer makes the normal play of 
cashing the H A early.

A better score will go to those who play in notrump. The same 11 
tricks are available provided declarer wins the H A and overtakes the 
H J to establish the suit.



1994 Vantage Pairs		BOARD 27	   by Richard Pavlicek



South Deals

None Vul



	S  A Q 10 9
	H  Q 7 4
	D  A 6
	C  K 10 8 7

S  8 6          	S  7 4 2
H  K 2          	H  9 8 5 3
D  Q 10 7 5     	D  K J 8 4
C  A J 6 4 3    	C  9 5

	S  K J 5 3
	H  A J 10 6
	D  9 3 2
	C  Q 2



A Stayman sequence should be duplicated at many tables to reach the 
normal spade game.

West	North	East	South
			Pass
Pass	1 NT	Pass	2 C
Pass	2 S	Pass	4 S
All Pass			

This contract should make 10 or 11 tricks. Assume a heart lead, ducked 
to the king. If West now shifts to a diamond --  the 10 is proper to 
cater to A-J-x or K-J-x in North --  declarer will win, draw trumps, 
run the hearts to pitch a diamond, and lead a club. West should hop 
with the C A (even on a low club) and return a diamond to tap North. 
This holds declarer to the minimum.

If West instead returns a heart (hoping for a ruff), the tempo shifts 
to declarer. Trumps are drawn, then a club is led to the queen, ace. 
Declarer wins the D A and cashes the hearts to pitch a diamond, but 
now he has the luxury to try the club finesse for an overtrick (this 
is better than trying to ruff out the C J).

Another predicament would occur if East led the C 9 originally. West 
must take the ace and shift to a diamond to hold declarer to 10 
tricks.



1994 Vantage Pairs		BOARD 28	   by Richard Pavlicek



West Deals

N-S Vul



	S  A J 9
	H  Q J 8 7
	D  K Q 9
	C  A 9 7

S  4            	S  K 10 7 6
H  4            	H  A K 3 2
D  A 10 7 5 3 2 	D  J 8
C  J 5 4 3 2    	C  Q 10 8

	S  Q 8 5 3 2
	H  10 9 6 5
	D  6 4
	C  K 6



West's bid could be dubbed the "unusual preempt" since it looks more 
like an "unusual notrump" than it does a typical preempt. Nonetheless, 
getting in the first blow is a big advantage, and hard to resist at 
the vulnerability. This is likely to produce:

West	North	East	South
3 D	3 NT	All Pass	
			

Assume the D J lead is ducked to the king, the H Q is won by East, and 
another diamond is led. West must win the D A and switch to a club 
(perhaps he should have done this earlier), else declarer will have 
time to set up both majors. This defense should be obvious because it 
is futile to establish the diamond suit without an entry. Assume 
declarer wins the C K and leads a spade to the jack, king. East should 
place West with the C J (else he would lead high in this situation) so 
he returns the C Q to scuttle the contract. Declarer must hold up on 
this trick to escape for down one.

Many N-S pairs will play in a major suit (hopefully below game). Nine 
tricks are available in hearts with careful play, but only eight 
tricks in spades (note the imminent heart ruff).



1994 Vantage Pairs		BOARD 29	   by Richard Pavlicek



North Deals

Both Vul



	S  A 9 4 2
	H  4
	D  10 8 4
	C  K Q 10 5 4

S  J 10 5 3     	S  8 7
H  A J 10 7 6 3 2	H  Q 8 5
D  --           	D  J 6 5
C  J 8          	C  A 9 6 3 2

	S  K Q 6
	H  K 9
	D  A K Q 9 7 3 2
	C  7



A preemptive overcall by West will make the bidding awkward for N-S. 
Here's how to face adversity:

West	North	East	South
	Pass	Pass	1 D
3 H	Dbl*	Pass	4 NT
Pass	5 D	All Pass	

North's double is negative (showing four spades) and South has a tough 
problem. It is reasonable to bid 3 NT, gambling on the clubs, or 
perhaps even 4 S to shoot for a top in a 4-3 fit (also North might 
have five spades). But my vote goes to 4 NT Blackwood, intending to 
play 6 D if North has two aces (a fair chance), otherwise 5 D.

Five diamonds is virtually effortless for 11 tricks, and only a gross 
defensive error will allow more.

The excitement will peak at tables where South declares 3 NT. What a 
difference a lead makes! South has 11 tricks with a heart lead, 10 
tricks with a spade lead (he can win 11 in the ending), but he gets 
skewered with a club lead --  down four!

Four spades is always makable (by South, not North) even after a club 
lead and heart switch, tapping North. Declarer must not draw trumps 
(the S A can be cashed) and lead his minor-suit winners to tap West.



1994 Vantage Pairs		BOARD 30	   by Richard Pavlicek



East Deals

None Vul



	S  A K 9 8 3
	H  K 9 8 7 6
	D  J 2
	C  4

S  6            	S  J 10 5 2
H  J 5 3        	H  Q
D  A K 10 3     	D  9 8 7 6 4
C  A J 10 5 3   	C  K 9 7

	S  Q 7 4
	H  A 10 4 2
	D  Q 5
	C  Q 8 6 2



Most Wests will open 1 D to prepare for a convenient rebid. Here is a 
rather tame auction utilizing a Michaels cue-bid by North:

West	North	East	South
		Pass	Pass
1 D	2 D	3 D	3 H
All Pass			

Two diamonds shows both major suits (typically at least 5-5 shape, but 
occasionally 5-4), then East and South compete. Many E-W pairs will 
compete further, perhaps driving N-S into 4 H, or themselves into 5 D.

Actually, both sides can make a game! Five diamonds requires only a 
successful club finesse, which is marked on the bidding. Four hearts 
requires declarer to cash the H A first, and then follow the normal 
restricted-choice principle and finesse.

It appears that the Law of Total Tricks took a vacation on this deal. 
The combined total of 18 trumps produces 21 tricks. Oh, well; I guess 
you could say that 18 is approximately equal to 21. Ask any 
18-year-old when somebody questions his I.D.



1994 Vantage Pairs		BOARD 31	   by Richard Pavlicek



South Deals

N-S Vul



	S  10 2
	H  10 8 5 2
	D  Q 9 6
	C  K 8 7 2

S  7 6 3        	S  A K J 9 5
H  A K 9 7 6    	H  Q J
D  A 8 7 4      	D  2
C  5            	C  A 10 9 4 3

	S  Q 8 4
	H  4 3
	D  K J 10 5 3
	C  Q J 6



This borderline slam requires good judgment to reach. East should be 
the aggressor when he discovers how well the hands fit.

West	North	East	South
			Pass
1 H	Pass	1 S	Pass
2 D	Pass	3 C	Pass
3 S	Pass	4 NT	Pass
5 H	Pass	6 S	All Pass

West's 3 S preference enables East to picture the singleton club in 
dummy (West should have 3-5-4-1 shape), and East's H Q-J rate to be 
golden cards; hence the jump to Blackwood.

After the C Q lead, there are several paths to success. The best plan 
is to rely on normal breaks in the major suits: Win the C A, then cash 
the H Q-J and S A-K. Once everyone follows you are home. Cross to 
dummy with a diamond (I hope no one would ruff a club) and lead the 
good hearts. South can win only his trump trick.

An alternate line (necessary on a diamond lead) is to ruff a club; 
ruff a diamond; ruff a club; ruff a diamond, and lead a club. If South 
ruffs, he spends his trump trick; otherwise, you ruff and return to 
the H Q, etc.



1994 Vantage Pairs		BOARD 32	   by Richard Pavlicek



West Deals

E-W Vul



	S  5 4
	H  K Q 4 3 2
	D  10 6 2
	C  10 4 2

S  K Q 10 8 2   	S  J 9 3
H  9            	H  J 8 7
D  Q 3          	D  A 8 5
C  A K J 6 3    	C  Q 9 8 7

	S  A 7 6
	H  A 10 6 5
	D  K J 9 7 4
	C  5



South faces an awkward decision after West's opening bid is raised to 
two. A 3 D overcall looks normal, but this might lose out on the heart 
suit. I prefer:

West	North	East	South
1 S	Pass	2 S	Dbl
4 S	5 H	Dbl	All Pass

Fortunately, North has a heart suit and the double leads to a 
profitable sacrifice. The danger in doubling is that partner may bid 
too many clubs --  of course, you would correct to diamonds, but that 
too could be a disaster. Nonetheless, I think the risks are warranted.

Five hearts should be down two with careful play. Win the first or 
second spade, cross to the H K and lead a diamond to the jack, queen. 
The rest is easy. This line of play looks lucky (if West had a second 
trump he could get a ruff); but the 3-1 trump break was predictable, 
and drawing a second round makes declarer susceptible to a trump 
promotion or to club taps in dummy.

Four spades is a routine make, though it could be beaten with the 
Western-Union defense: North leads a club then South underleads his 
H A to get a ruff. Keep an eye on that pair!



1994 Vantage Pairs		BOARD 33	   by Richard Pavlicek



North Deals

None Vul



	S  J
	H  A K 5
	D  Q 8 6 3 2
	C  A 6 5 3

S  Q 4          	S  K 10 9 5 2
H  Q 9 8 6 4 2  	H  10 7
D  10 5         	D  K J
C  K 4 2        	C  Q 10 8 7

	S  A 8 7 6 3
	H  J 3
	D  A 9 7 4
	C  J 9



It is rare when a common bidding sequence offers five reasonable 
options. Consider South's predicament after the 1 S overcall: It is 
sensible to bid 1 NT, 2 D, 2 NT (limit), 3 D (limit), or trap pass. I 
slightly prefer the conservative raise, which might lead to this:

West	North	East	South
	1 D	1 S	2 D
2 H	3 D	All Pass	

In diamonds declarer can win 10 tricks with almost any play (clearing 
trumps, for one), and I see one line of play to win 11: Assume the 
H 10 lead; jack, queen, ace; lead a spade to the ace; ruff a spade; 
cash the H K, and lead the losing heart throwing a club. East is 
caught in an unusual three-suit squeeze involving the trump suit: If 
he discards a black suit, declarer can establish a long card in that 
suit; if he ruffs, he wastes his trump trick. This variation of the 
backwash squeeze might be called a "frontwash" squeeze.

Those who play in notrump should be held to eight tricks, although 
some will be given nine when West leads a heart, or if East cashes his 
spades prematurely to establish South's eight.



1994 Vantage Pairs		BOARD 34	   by Richard Pavlicek



East Deals

N-S Vul



	S  K 7 2
	H  K 4
	D  J 10 9 7 6 4
	C  9 6

S  Q 9 6 3      	S  A J 10 8 4
H  J 9 8 3      	H  5
D  K 5          	D  2
C  8 3 2        	C  A K Q 10 5 4

	S  5
	H  A Q 10 7 6 2
	D  A Q 8 3
	C  J 7



The exciting distribution should produce a spirited auction, something 
like:

West	North	East	South
		1 C	1 H
Dbl	2 D	4 S	5 D
Dbl	All Pass		

West's first double is negative (indeed very negative) to show four 
spades, and his second double is mainly out of fear to stop East from 
bidding. Note that 5 D would be cold if North held the D A (as might 
be expected) and either hand held a singleton club. But to quote Joe 
Silver of Montreal, that's "Bridge in the fast lane."

I can sympathize with the fate of N-S, going for 500 against a 
nonvulnerable game. One could argue that North should not bid at all; 
but I doubt there is a creditable player in the bridge world who would 
not bid 5 D with the South hand. It was just a great set-up.

Those who play in spades can win 10 tricks. It looks like 11 with the 
spade finesse, but declarer cannot get to dummy unless South foolishly 
leads a second diamond or a trump. When South leads the D A, North can 
help matters by playing the jack --  an obvious suit-preference signal 
for hearts in view of dummy.



1994 Vantage Pairs		BOARD 35	   by Richard Pavlicek



South Deals

E-W Vul



	S  6
	H  Q 9 6 4 3
	D  J 10 9
	C  A 10 7 3

S  A K Q 7 4 2  	S  9 8 5
H  10           	H  K 7 5
D  K 7 3        	D  A 8 5 4 2
C  K J 9        	C  6 5

	S  J 10 3
	H  A J 8 2
	D  Q 6
	C  Q 8 4 2



A routine spade game should be reached at almost every table, usually 
after this auction:

West	North	East	South
			Pass
1 S	Pass	2 S	Pass
4 S	All Pass		

Four spades hinges on the club guess, and most will get it right. 
Assume North leads the D J to the king, and declarer leads the H 10 to 
the king, ace. If South leads a club, declarer should finesse the 
jack. This is the proper guess if for no other reason than to play for 
split aces. South might have bid or doubled if he held both missing 
aces plus the known D Q (and implied H Q or H J); hence the C A is 
more likely to be with North.

Another reasonable tactic is to duck the D J lead. This risks a 
possible ruff if North has led a singleton; but the advantage is that 
declarer might avoid the club guess, and he might steal a top. Note 
that if North fails to shift to a heart, declarer can make an 
overtrick.

North-South have a good sacrifice in 5 H (down two, maybe three) but 
how do you find it? This reminds me: It must have been a bridge player 
who came up with A.T. & T.'s latest slogan number, 1-800-COLLECT.



1994 Vantage Pairs		BOARD 36	   by Richard Pavlicek



West Deals

Both Vul



	S  K J 10 9 8
	H  Q 8
	D  J 6
	C  K Q 4 2

S  7            	S  A Q 3 2
H  K J 10 5 3   	H  4 2
D  Q 10 5 2     	D  K 9 8 3
C  A J 10       	C  8 5 3

	S  6 5 4
	H  A 9 7 6
	D  A 7 4
	C  9 7 6



Another borderline opening bid. Despite only 11 HCP and less than two 
quick tricks, I think West should open (look at those tens). This 
produces a short skirmish:

West	North	East	South
1 H	1 S	1 NT	2 S
Pass	Pass	Dbl	All Pass

East's double is chancy but stands out at matchpoints in the quest to 
obtain 200 --  a prize trophy on partscore deals. If East passes 2 S 
and collects only 100, it will often be below average due to a 
proliferation of scores such as 110 and 120.

East leads a heart, ducked to the king. Some Wests will now shift to 
a club looking at three-small in dummy. What folly! It should be no 
surprise that this is declarer's side suit. Declarer wins, crosses to 
the D A and leads another club. Declarer now wins two club tricks 
early, and he can ruff the fourth club in dummy (after leading one 
round of trumps to blot out the S 7). Making 2 S.

The contract is easily defeated if West leads anything else at trick 
two. A diamond is probably best to attack dummy's entry. The only way 
declarer can lead clubs twice is to overtake the H Q, then West can 
push a heart through to allow East to pitch a club. Down one.

