7NT on IntoBridge

 

The explanation of 5NT in the bidding above was 17+ points. So I guessed, 7NT could not be a bad option. Partner would have an entry in ♥ and either three discards in spades or all missing jacks. And so it was. Out came a small ♠.

However, the game play turns out to be not so straightforward. We have 12 tricks and need a 13th. At the table, I opted for 3-3 in either ♥ or ♣. Neither happened. With a bit more thinking (I tend to think too fast while playing on-line), I could have combined this option with a squeeze. But I spoiled it by trying the two suits first.

I should have cashed the three top ♥, uncovering the 4-2 break, then the three ♦ tricks ending at the table, then the top three ♠, discarding two ♥ and one ♣. At that point, West had to discard one of his winning cards, the ♠8, or a small ♣. Note that in case the ♣ break 3-3, we still make. So we have indeed increased our chances.

It is worth thinking about the contract without knowledge of all hands. The magic appears in the 6th trick when only 7 card are remaining, i.e., after winning the lead with the ♠A, cashing three ♥ tricks, at the second ♦ trick. At that point, you know the side with four ♥. This side can no longer block the ♠ or the ♣, because only 7 cards are remaining. If the other side blocks the ♠, it can no longer block the ♣. So, you win by cashing the three top ♠, leaving two small ♠ and two small ♣ on the table, and four ♣ in the hand.

Only one player in the "other results" bid and made 7NT. Most went down, or played less. One managed to go down twice in 7NT.