[nikos59]

In another thread, on the topic of zero-point opening bids, I had
facetiously suggested that since it is possible to make game on
zero points combined, one might miss a cold game by passing
zero-point hands. Another poster could not believe that a game
is makeable on zero points combined, so here is an example:

---

The hand is taken (appropriately!) from BaseIII, a DOS program constructed
by no other than our Fred Gitelman. NS make 4S by establishing hearts.

This is obviously constructed. At the table, EW just might muster their courage
and find something higher their way, perhaps 7NT, unless they are
Eustachians, of course!

I have written a book on Famous Bridge Records, and the lowest-point game
(real-life, not constructed) I have found is on 9 points (by Skid Simon and Gray). Any better records in BBO perhaps?

Nikos

[mikestar]

The fairly well known 5 HCP grand slam:

---

[Gerben47]

I remember bidding a making 5♣ once on a combined 8-count but our opponents did not let us play it. The auction was:

(2♣ strong) 3♣ (3♦) 5♣
(5♦) pass (pass) pass

It did not seem the right time to make the cheap save in 6♣ because the bid of 8♣ over 7<not-clubs> would not have been allowed.

Anyway, I feared a ♣ lead would concede a ruff and sluff so I led something else and 13 tricks were claimed.

Our hands were:

x
x
xxxxx
Jxxxxx

xxxx
Jxx
-
AQxxxx

I guess the problem is not bidding the game but to get opponents with a combined 32-count to allow you to play your game contract.

[EarlPurple]

Get West to play it in 7 of a major and lightner-double for a diamond lead. (Though obviously if you double West in 7♥ his partner might pull it to 7♠, but at least they can't run to 7NT.

[EarlPurple]

In the initial hand posted only South can make 4♠. North is defeated on a diamond lead ruffed by West.

[nikos59]

True, but since NS are playing 5-card majors it is South
who opened 1S.
Opening 1S on 10987 (North) is not recommended

[Free]

nikos59, on Oct 18 2004, 08:10 PM, said:

In another thread, on the topic of zero-point opening bids, I had
facetiously suggested that since it is possible to make game on
zero points combined, one might miss a cold game by passing
zero-point hands. Another poster could not believe that a game
is makeable on zero points combined, so here is an example:

---

The hand is taken (appropriately!) from BaseIII, a DOS program constructed
by no other than our Fred Gitelman. NS make 4S by establishing hearts.

This is obviously constructed. At the table, EW just might muster their courage
and find something higher their way, perhaps 7NT, unless they are
Eustachians, of course!

I have written a book on Famous Bridge Records, and the lowest-point game
(real-life, not constructed) I have found is on 9 points (by Skid Simon and Gray). Any better records in BBO perhaps?

Nikos

VERY nice hand! I'm convinced

[epeeist]

Victor Mollo's books have some interesting hands -- to say the least! One which I was reminded of was a 7NT hand with very few points. I won't give the hand, which is in "Destiny at Bay", but I'll put the trick in hidden text below.

Spoiler

After bidding, with 39 points, to 7♥, the Rabbit and Toucan exchange hands thinking the bidding is over. However, opponent calls 7NT. With all their cards considered exposed, and thus penalty cards, the opponent can tell them what cards to play and makes 7NT with 1 point...

[EarlPurple]

N/S don't need any points at all.

---

West leads a low spade and declarer takes 3 rounds while East throws 2 heart honours and a club. (Dummy throws diamonds)

Now declarer crosses to dummy taking 3 rounds of diamonds (East follows low, of course) while West also throws 2 top hearts and a club. (Declarer throws spades)

Next declarer cashes his 3 heart tricks and the opps part with their remaining club honour on the last round.

And now our clubs are good and we can enjoy 4 rounds of them.