Bookworm Bridge Conundrums #83

This conundrum was written by NICOLAS LHUISSIER and was originally published in the magazine Bridgerama+ No. 66 - you can find out all about it further down the page.

Variations on a hand

1. What do you bid as West?

2. What do you bid as West?

Click here to reveal the answer

3♥: Even if your partner has not made much effort by responding 1NT (“garbage” bid) and then showing a timid preference for Spades, your 16-count must motivate you to put another coin in the jukebox. Show the additional Heart card by repeating the suit. East could well have three cards in Hearts and two in Spades, and you could reach the Heart game.
2♥ : When you have decent slam ambitions with a 5–two-suiter in the majors, the most effective procedure is to start with a transfer to Spades (2♥) and then bid 3♥ naturally. This way, East can easily determine the trump suit.
4♣: You have already described a beautiful 5–5 with your 3♥ bid. But this doubleton King of Clubs could be the key to a grand slam in Clubs. Show it at the four-level and hand over the reins to your partner.

About the book

In this issue, Bridgerama+ pays tribute to Paul Chemla (1944–2025), world champion, writer, and one of the great characters of French bridge. Brilliant, bold, and impossible to imitate, Chemla’s spirit and humor defined an era.

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One comment on “Bookworm Bridge Conundrums #83”

Anonymous says:

October 30, 2025 at 11:06 am

Amazing! It got me thinking.

Reply