I understand bidding close vulnerable games, especially at IMPs and rubber, but the one in this column is a bit thinner than I might prefer.

East – who raised hearts – must have neither top heart honor, and also no more than one of KQ10D. Meanwhile, 8 of pard’s 9 HCP fit declarer’s like a glove, including solidifying a club suit that never got bid.

I wonder if South chided North for making him work hard by having the wrong minor suit 10-spot?

Hi Jim2,

You both brought up a worthwhile caveat, (why bid this, at best, a mediocre game?), but then answered it at the same time. If the minor suit tens had been reversed in dummy, the game then virtually would have been decided by West having to have both the AK of hearts for success, on the bidding a decent chance.

Fortunately or unfortunately this hand is what bridge is all about. I happen to think that South would have been better placed to jump to 4 spades instead of 3NT, with only Qxx of hearts. The swing of that choice is enormous, especially since East would (should) double 4 spades and defeat the hand either 500 or, more likely 800. South’s brilliant choice of 3NT was probably worth about 1400 positive points and at IMPs a double digit pickup instead of a double digit loss.

Whether you know it or not, your last line comment, which by some would be considered mundane, captures the very essence of the game as we know it, and I am willing to admit to my judgment which, no doubt, would have been a disaster.

Competitive high-level bridge is not for wimps, and, at least to me, among its peers, values resiliency from bad luck or just poor judgment, perhaps the difference between a winning and a not so expert for long run results.

Remember also the partnership gets severely tested during difficult times and that, too, needs to continue to feel secure and optimistic for the following hands. Not unlike many other well watched, moneyed major viewed sports where we see some teams bounce back immediately and others simply crater under the gloom and pressure.

Please keep writing and giving your opinions, since more often than we realize, do we touch on worthwhile keys to the kingdom of what it takes to win.

Hi Bobby, in notrumps, ace or queen can asks partner for reverse attitude,low card from par,likes n high card dislikes. king lead will ask partner for normal count. Could south have bid 2nt(13/14),downgrade hand cos of Qxx hearts, rather than doubling? Its a challenge to play 3nt on botherline values, making it would be a tremendous uplift for the partnership, failing would test the resolve of the players, to come back and still win.Best Regards-Patrick.

Hi Patrick,

I agree with most of what you say and your reasons, but bidding less than game with that full strong NT opening opposite a vulnerable overcaller is just not enough.

As you are aware, bridge is not an exact science and to pussyfoot by bidding only 2NT (the 1st go around instead of a TO dbl) is just too wimpy. I would have bid 4 spades instead with Ax opposite partner’s 3 diamond bid, gotten doubled and after -800 (probably) will just try and play the next board in a circumspect manner.

There is a sign in the All_England tennis courts locker room at Wimbledon which says, “One must learn to deal with victory and defeat and treat those two imposters just the same”. I am of like mind and try to practice that good advice.

Hi Bobby, I used to play tennis in the seventies, bridge a bit more seriously in the eighties and nineties, I love to play against the strongest players and big penalties is not uncommon, but being youthful,nothing fazes me. I just bid what I think can be made on the hand. Alas something has to give, and now I am too cautious, but thanks to that W word, and all your recent help, you might have woken a sleepy giant!? lol-Patrick