It is interesting to note that EW have a worthwhile save at 5H (down 2), b;ut I see at least 3 problems: 1) give S the DK and now 5H is down 3, 2) S might not make 4S, and 3) how the heck do EW even get into the bidding, much less all the way to 5H. There’s also a 4th problem: if they do bid 5H they will miss out on the outstanding play in D which you have described. Your thoughts?

Hi David,

As I suspect you may agree, undiscovered fits, while holding only 40% of the combined high cards points plus no great distributional advantages, seem to occur more often than realized.

However, depending on the vulnerability and, of course, the willingness of those opponents to bid a making game are key factors as to whether even just getting into the bidding (of course, necessary to consider a save) is even worthwhile.

Here, I would not consider bidding (especially after the first three bids) and/or to consider doubling 4 hearts with Kxxxx (with shortness on one’s right is just sheer folly).

Of course, add to that the defensive partnership gem of EW to which I have been privy to 5 times in my long bridge life (3 as declarer and 2 on defense) makes even the thought of taking a phantom sacrifice, far away.

In truth, at least IMO, for the defense to worry or fret about not taking perhaps a winning save is sheer folly and, if anything, further talk about the possibility is just too unrealistic to consider. Bridge itself (especially against worthy opponents) is difficult enough without badgering oneself with way too many, what ifs.

However, thanks for your question, since no doubt many others might benefit from opinions on trying one’s best to find a reason to bid something, rather than to just go quietly.