Retropoet Plays Picture Bidding

Problem Hand 5

Sound Vulnerable Preempts

North deals
N-S vulnerable 
	
		S 2 			W 	N 	E 	S 
		H 9 		
		D AQJT6542 		-	3D(a)	P	3NT(b) 
		C K32 			P 	P 	P 
 				
	S KT98 		S Q7654 	
	H AJ32 		H T75 		
	D 87 		D 93 		opening lead:  S9(c) 
	C J85 		C AQT 		obvious shift:  hearts 
 					expert analysis:  N-S can make at 
		S AJ3 					  least 9 tricks at 
		H KQ864 				  notrumps, but can 
		D K 					  be defeated at 
		C 9764 					  5 diamonds(d)
(a) [10 HCP + 11 length = 21; does not qualify for a Picture Bidding opening bid with only 2 quick tricks] The opening 3D (vulnerable) invites partner to bid 3NT.

(b) [13 HCP + 9 length = 22; qualifies for a Picture Bidding opening with 2 quick tricks] Accepts the invitation with major suit stoppers and a filler in diamonds.

(c) Opening lead of the 9 vs. notrump promises the ten, and may have a higher honor (but not JT9). East will play the SQ, intending, if it wins, to next lead the S6 (one higher or two lower)

(d) The defense can score two clubs and the heart ace via an unlikely series of plays.