It is possible for E/W to make seven spades or six clubs or game in diamonds. For N/S their only making contract is one heart. Dealer was West and both were vulnerable. The hands were:

The board was played eight times. Four spades was bid by E/W four times; two spades and three spades were each bid once.

Three pairs made 11 tricks, two made 10 tricks, and one pair nine tricks. One E/W pair got away with playing in three hearts, two down for a good score. The other E/W pair went to the four level, were doubled and went two down, but still received a good score. They should have been allowed to make only one trick!

The first question: what action should West take? There are three options. 

First would be to pass. West might think that there were not enough points to open, and would be reluctant to open a weak two, having been told never to do so if they had a void. Some players would still open a weak two. West is far too strong for either of those options. With a six card spade suit and only six losers, they should open one spade. 

East would probably bid two clubs, and many Souths would come in with two hearts. If West then only repeated his suit at the two level, North may well have jumped to game in hearts and not even have been doubled.

The possible bidding sequences seem endless, but in order for E/W to reach slam, they must cue bid, as you should never use Blackwood (or Gerber) with a void.

So after East agrees spades as the suit, bidding to game, West must bid five hearts, and the partnership may get to a small slam. 

I don’t think anyone at club level would reach the grand slam, but an international pair might, and having bid it would probably make it, because of the friendly lie of the cards. I leave it to you to work out how all 13 tricks can be taken.

The two pairs who played in hearts both got the ace of spades lead. However, the six players in a spade contract all received different leads. Bridge is a game of skill in the long run, but you still need luck to win on any particular session.

If you have a regular partner, this is a good hand to discuss and bid together.

We have now played two of the three rounds in the day and night GNOT competitions. I really enjoy playing the two 14 board matches, instead of our usual formats on teams nights, but I think that I am in the minority!

It means that we play six of the other teams over the three months in a Swiss movement, a much fairer way of deciding those qualifying to play in the regional final. The session is also much quieter. I must be the only person that wishes my hearing wasn’t so good! 

It should also be shorter, without all the movements, and waiting to find out which team is your next opponent.

Good luck to all Bathurst players for the Congress in May. Come on, be brave and play, even if you haven’t had much experience. It’s a great way to improve and often sparks an enthusiasm to play in others that are held in the region. Good company and good food!