It is often said that Bridge is a bidders game but, looking at the two NS hands, it seems to be an over-bidders game – a partly misfitting combined 23 count bid up to 5D although South’s club holding is certainly helpful. Swap the EW trump holdings and Tom’s line comes to a very sticky end. The lure of the vulnerable game bonus is clearly great but would you really regard the North hand as worth forcing to game opposite an opening 1S?
Regards,
Iain
bobbywolffJune 15th, 2023 at 1:24 pm
Hi Iain,
First, you, on this evaluation do NOT speak with forked tongue, but rather with experienced
resolution. However, probably more times than not, and when being void in partner’s original suit, a secondary fit is found, and even if not, the ever present 3NT finality, often is a decent fallback compromise. However, having only eight trumps to name, will normally result in a tough battle, instead of the precious nine we all seek.
Through the years, high-level bridge bidding has seen improvement, but having the talent necessary to seek and find the winning contract, when it doesn’t hit both partners in the face, becomes a downright chore. And, to then answer your specific question, yes I would likely choose 2 GF clubs instead of the awkward 1NT, since most players would surely open 1 club with it, which in itself, possibly would be the main choice of action. “Nothing ventured,
little to be gained”, should quiet the noise against doing so.
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Hi Bobby,
It is often said that Bridge is a bidders game but, looking at the two NS hands, it seems to be an over-bidders game – a partly misfitting combined 23 count bid up to 5D although South’s club holding is certainly helpful. Swap the EW trump holdings and Tom’s line comes to a very sticky end. The lure of the vulnerable game bonus is clearly great but would you really regard the North hand as worth forcing to game opposite an opening 1S?
Regards,
Iain
Hi Iain,
First, you, on this evaluation do NOT speak with forked tongue, but rather with experienced
resolution. However, probably more times than not, and when being void in partner’s original suit, a secondary fit is found, and even if not, the ever present 3NT finality, often is a decent fallback compromise. However, having only eight trumps to name, will normally result in a tough battle, instead of the precious nine we all seek.
Through the years, high-level bridge bidding has seen improvement, but having the talent necessary to seek and find the winning contract, when it doesn’t hit both partners in the face, becomes a downright chore. And, to then answer your specific question, yes I would likely choose 2 GF clubs instead of the awkward 1NT, since most players would surely open 1 club with it, which in itself, possibly would be the main choice of action. “Nothing ventured,
little to be gained”, should quiet the noise against doing so.