[ArtK78]

Scoring: IMP

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In a sectional Swiss Teams this afternoon, I picked up this hand at equal nonvul. My partner and I play 10 HCP openings (along with a 10-12 1NT opening) when nonvul, so I opened 1♠. The auction continued:

1♠ - (x) - 2NT* - 3♥
P - (P) - 4♣ - (P)
4♠ - (P) - 5♥ - (P)
?

Partner's 2NT showed a limit raise or better in support of spades. 4♣ was a slam try of some sort (that much I knew - but we were treading in uncharted waters at this point). Clearly 5♥ was another slam try, apparently looking for second round control in diamonds. I have second round control of diamonds.

Should I bid 6♠?

[han]

I would have expected that 3S by you at your second turn was your weakest action as 2NT forced to 3S. Apparently that is not what you play, let me assume that pass was your weakest action. So our auction to date has really shown the worst possible hand.

If your partner had a big hand for you (AKxx Ax xxx AKQx) then this would probably be exactly how he would bid it. Your partner could have a little less but not much given your opening style not that much less. And opposite AKxx A xxx AQxxx you are still a favorite to make. I would bid 6S.

[Apollo81]

I would never voluntarily show anything beyond the worst possible cards if I had opened this hand.

[ArtK78]

Here are our two hands:

Scoring: IMP

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Despite partner's "demand" that I bid slam with second round diamond control, I chickened out and bid 5♠, which became the final contract. Partner had a great hand, but not really enough for 6♠. In fact, if the ♠K is offside, I could be going down in 4♠!

I ruffed the opening ♥A lead and played Ace of spades, 10 of spades. LHO won the ♠K and cashed the ♦A. End of hand.

Pard was a little optimistic. He knew that opposite KQxxx of spades and the ♦K 6♠ rated to be cold, but still with only 3 spades he probably shouldn't push so hard. Even though the ♠K was onside doubleton, there is no way to make 6♠ on the ♥A lead.

The amusing thing about this hand is what happened at the other table. My hand passed (as would almost anyone not playing light openings) and LHO opened 1♥. My partner's hand overcalled 2♣, and the next hand bid 3♣ (limit or better heart raise). The opening bidder bid 3♥ and my partner's hand bid 4♣, which became the final contract. Spades were never mentioned. Note that on a diamond lead, 4♣ is on a spade finesse to make, and even if a diamond is not led, you need clubs are 2-2 and the spade K in front of the Ace to make 4♣.