Bookworm Bridge Conundrums #71

This conundrum was written by NICOLAS LHUISSIER and was originally published in the magazine Bridgerama+ No. 63 - you can find out all about it further down the page.

Variations on a hand

4. What do you bid as West?

5. What do you bid as West?

6. What do you bid as West?

Click here to reveal the answer

1NT: Don’t forget that East responded only because he had to and therefore holds a weak hand with something between 0 and 7 HCP. Bidding 1NT, which shows a balanced hand of 19–20 HCP, is therefore sufficient!
3♠: You have started the investigation with a conventional relay of 2NT. Over that, East responded that he has the maximum of his weak two bid. As a consequence, we are now in a game forcing sequence! You can therefore quietly confirm Spades at the three-level and leave space for your partner to start cue-bidding, which will surely give you useful information.
7♦: This is a very reasonable attempt. Indeed, East has virtually guaranteed six Diamonds because you bid 1♥, the suit immediately above. With a ten-card fit, the absence of the Queen of Trumps is not a problem. What is more, over your semi-natural 2♠ bid, East responded 2NT, proof that he has at least a small stopper in Clubs, most likely Queen-third. You can therefore count thirteen tricks (four tricks in the majors, six trumps and three Clubs). And if you should not have a third Club trick, you can still hope to find the thirteenth in one of the majors.

About the book

Norbert Lébély sets the stage for a sharp declarer play — and just when the defense thinks it has things under control, a quiet shift in timing turns the hand on its head. That’s just one of the featured plays in the latest issue of Bridgerama+, alongside fresh stories and insights from the world of bridge.

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2 comments on “Bookworm Bridge Conundrums #71”

Anon says:

August 6, 2025 at 2:35 pm

Good explanation

Reply
Anon says:

August 6, 2025 at 2:34 pm

Good explanations

Reply