Aces on Bridge — Daily Columns

The Aces on Bridge: Sunday, February 12th, 2023


8 Comments

Iain ClimieFebruary 26th, 2023 at 4:13 pm

Hi Bobby,

On Tough Luck’s hand, isn’t it simpler to bid 5H? After all, partner will have 6 or more good ones so is it really worthwhile checking for a minor fit? Also the oppo may be happy to have pushed you up one level and may just let it go. I would be VERY disappointed if partner didn’t have a decent play for 5H here barring bad breaks – but then they could scupper 5 of a minor as well.

Regards,

Iain.

Bobby WolffFebruary 27th, 2023 at 12:04 am

Hi Iain,

This bid probably is one of the few times, during a normal session of play, which will stand out and be remembered. Reason being the two bids which stand out are simply 5 hearts or double, opposite sides of the street, but what else but one of them. Yes, I guess 4NT is also possible, but the only difficulty with that will be partner’s understanding, so why add that as a decided possibility of a mix-up.

If anyone is interested, my choice would have to do with who my partner is, and above that who is sitting on my left. Against an aggressive player I would bid 5 hearts, but not so a conservative, to which I would merely double.

The above should not be used as a lesson, since no one, even a computer resolve, can serve as a stepping-stone to a winning action. “You pays your money, you takes your choice”.

Jeff SerandosFebruary 27th, 2023 at 2:21 pm

In the immortal words of the Mamas and Papas – “Monday, Monday, can’t trust that day”

Iain ClimieFebruary 27th, 2023 at 2:50 pm

Or the Boomtown Rats – “(Tell me why) I don’t like Mondays”

Bobby WolffFebruary 27th, 2023 at 2:53 pm

Hi Jeff,

Yes, and for more years than I can count.

Sorry, but the good news is that with due diligence, we can overcome this hopefully,
not too serious flaw, provided and, of course, it doesn’t get more serious!

steFebruary 27th, 2023 at 3:09 pm

Teaching bridge on a creuise ship now leaving Thailand for the Philippines, I look forward to my daily dose of wisdom from Wolff . . . alas, not today!

Iain ClimieFebruary 27th, 2023 at 3:52 pm

Welcome back!

Bobby WolffFebruary 27th, 2023 at 11:16 pm

Hi Ste!

Yes, today. Get ready for anotha, thrilla in Manila!