ACBL34A – Bidding: Four Opposite Four            Feb 20, 2011

                                                            (ACBL Bulletin)                   Page 1 of 1

 This is a supplement to the “34” handout which is a copy of page from ACBL Bulletin magazine.  This is a second example of 4 opposite 4 being better than 5 opposite 3.

                                 S - A 8 6 4

                                 H - A Q 9 7 5

                                 D - A 4

                                 C - 10 5

          S - J 10 2                               S - Q 7

          H - J 10 2                               H - 4 3

          D - K Q 9 8                             D - J 7 6 3 2

          C - A Q 4                                C - 9 8 3 2

                                 S - K 9 5 3

                                 H - K 8 6

                                 D - 10 5

                                 C - K J 7 6

      The contract could be 4 hearts or 4 spades.  

      The opening lead is the king of diamonds.

      In either contract you have 4 losers - 1 spade,

      1 diamond and 2 clubs.

      4 hearts - You can only put dummy’s diamond 4 on your club jack.  But

                       you have to give up the lead twice in clubs to set up that

                       jack.  They will cash the queen of diamonds as soon as

                       they get in.

      4 spades - Take the ace of diamonds.  Pull 2 rounds of trump with the

                        ace and king.  Start running the long heart suit.  On the

                        fourth heart, discard your 10 of diamonds.  West will ruff

                        with the jack of spades, but it’s too late for the defense.

      Note: If east had three spades, neither contract can be made.