27th September 2017

Dealer West
S
A875
   
N/S Vul
H
-
   
    D KJ4
   
    C A98754
   
S
3
    S
QJ104
H
J97542
    H
AKQ863
D
10765
    D
8
C
63
    C
K2
    S
K962
   
    H
10
   
    D
AQ932
   
    C
QJ10
   


This deal from the third round of Northern Bridge league matches on September 9th produced some varied results.  North South can make six clubs, but the lure of the four-four spade fit meant that many failed in spades.  Only one pair in the C division managed to reach six clubs.  The most common contract was five hearts doubled going one off, but those pairs who played in six spades by North or South failed in various degrees, some doubled.  The maximum recorded was -1700, six off doubled in five spades; presumably declarer cashed the top spades and then took the club finesse, not an advisable line of play.  Another declarer went seven off in six spades, but not doubled.

The auction where Gary Hyett was North and Michael Newman South was as below.

South
West
North
East

Pass
1C Double
1D 1H 1S 4H
4S 5H Pass
Pass
Double
Pass
Pass
Pass

North's pass of five hearts was forcing at the vulnerability.  All this seemed very reasonable, getting a plus score on the North South cards gained IMPs.