Morton’s Utensil

Hi all

Here’s another deal from Oakland. This time my partner Geoff was at the helm of a slam.

South
AKQ4
K83
JT74
52
West
North
East
South
 
1
pass
1
pass
2NT
pass
61
a.p.
 
 
 
  1. Unscientific

I’m the first one to agree my jump to slam was unnecessary and unscientific. At least I can say I was accurate. I saw problems arise when I would start with 4 (allowing partner to cooperate, or sign off in 4NT or 5), because I would bypass the cuebid. After a minute and a half of deep thought I just caved and jumped to 6 seeing no solution to my bidding problems. This is what Geoff could see:

North
JT6
Q5
AKQ92
AQ4
South
AKQ4
K83
JT74
52

When East led a into Geoff’s Ace – Queen all troubles were gone. He drew trumps, led a to his Queen and when that won the trick was able to pitch his loser on dummy’s high for a nice +1390.

North Dealer
NS Vul
North
JT6
Q5
AKQ92
AQ4
West
972
AJ92
83
J987
East
853
T764
65
KT63
South
AKQ4
K83
JT74
52

Had East led something passive (like a or a trump), Geoff would still have come home though. After drawing trumps he would lead a towards his Queen, if West ducks than the loser goes away on dummy’s long . If West rises then the King and the 13th provide a parking spot for both losing . And if the Ace of proves to be offside, you have the finesse as ultimate resort.