Retropoet Plays Picture Bidding

Problem Hand Number 3, Partnership C

Defense to 1NT "Structured Overcall" Suggested

 
 
South deals				W 	N 	E 	S 
EW vulnerable  
 					-	-	-	1D(a)
		KJ9742 			1NT(b) 	2S(c)  	P(d)	P
		982 			P		 
		KT9			
		T 
 
	A83 		QT 		opening lead:  Heart T (e)
	KQ53 		AJT76 		obvious switch:  diamonds 
	52 		J83 		guesstimate:  9 tricks NS @ spades 
	7643 		A95 			      10 tricks NS a diamonds 
 						      8 tricks EW @ hearts 
		65 
		4 
		AQ764 
		KQJ82
(b) ALERT! This bid shows; at most two in opener's suit (diamonds), at least three cards in each of the other suits, and 6 HCP up to 14 HCP expected.

(c) The recommended defense to the structured overcall of 1NT is: double with game values, bid a shapely hand (ALERT! non-forcing).

(d) East's minor honor in spades plus the knowledge that partner has at least three, argues for defense, especially when one adds the danger of a 3-level call when vulnerable.

(e) This somewhat unorthodox lead makes sense after the given bidding. It is easier to make this lead while looking at all four hands. At the table, one time in ten would I find such an opener? Maybe less. Note that the lead of the ten promises the jack and may or may not include a higher honor.