[beatrix45]

SchTsch, on Nov 27 2005, 07:23 AM, said:

This is the whole board:

Dealer: West Vul: Both Scoring: IMP

♠ A9 ♥ Q9842 ♦ J1083 ♣ 53 ♠ 1064 ♥ 1076 ♦ Q954 ♣ A94 ♠ KQ732 ♥   ♦ A2 ♣ QJ10762 ♠ J85 ♥ AKJ53 ♦ K76 ♣ K8

Another conformation that good bidding is a partnership affair. Once "beatiful, balanced rubbish" makes the correct call of 4♣, his/her side should end in either a makable 4♠ (if partner bids spades again on the way to 5♣) or a makable 5♣. Of course, neither contract is certain to make or even to be the very best spot; it depends on the placement of the opponents' high cards - no spade ruff (how many hearts can they make then?) and the club king onside (a 2 to 1 favourite on the bidding). However, the opponents may bid again, 5♥ or misdefend or, as was the case, the cards lie tolerably well for us.

Still, we have a 19 trick hand, so bidding 4♠ or 5♣ figures, at worst, to be a good insurance policy.