august20

English 49 2020 אוגוסט 204 גיליון Some Israeli bridge clubs did open up this month, but it was still impossible to organize the traditional Tel Aviv International Festival, and it was replaced by an online festival on BBO, which included various Pairs events. We start with the second session of the Handicap Pairs. Already the first deal gave the East-West pairs a chance to bid and make a grand slam. Making a grand required the diamond suit to run: Dealer North. Vul None QJT3 8432 64 QJ8 AK62 95 AQ96 KJ7 K2 AQT875 T74 A6 874 T5 J93 K9532 Only seven pairs reached a slam with an excellent score. Here is a suggested bidding sequence, reaching seven diamonds: West North East South 1 ♦ Pass 1 ♥ Pass 3 ♦ Pass 3♠ Pass 4♣ Pass 4NT Pass 5♠ Pass 5NT Pass 6 ♥ Pass 7 ♦ Pass Pass Pass Perhaps 3 ♦ is a slight overbid, but East has six good diamonds. West shows a strong hand by bidding 3♠. Now East shows a club control, and West is ready to ask about aces. After East shows two aces plus ♦Q, West asks for specific kings and finds out about ♥K. Now West can count twelve tricks, and either ♠Q or ♥ J at partner’s hand would complete thirteen top tricks. West has to be slightly optimistic, but bidding a grand pays off nicely. Another slam opportunity arose at Board 23: The 1st Israeli Online Festival // Joseph Engel