Playing against Peter Hollands

The "Play against a Master" format in IntoBridge is very attractive. Not only can't you lose points, but there is also a lot to learn, because the masters analyze their play life on YouTube. Take your time to compare to their thinking.

In the hand above, Pete jumped to 3NT immediately - and made it. Double Dummy Analysis shows that only 2NT are possible, as well as 2♠ or 2♥. I bid 1♥ and ended in 4♥ and went down twice because of the diamond ruff. Ruffing is not possible in NT. This is always a good argument for NT. The counter argument is that you need stoppers. When I was young they hammered into my brain to bid the majors if I have them. But NT is often the better bet in pairs.

How can 3NT be made? For a start, Lia led a small club, losing the first trick. Pete than finessed in harts to the right side and tried the spade finesse which failed. Silly Lia continued with the Jack in spades which loses another trick. Similar mishaps happen in the Bridge club all the time. Winning this way is not something I am proud of.


Here is another hand I mistreated. The line of play which offers an overtrick simply did not occur to me. But as soon as you see the diamond attack by West, you should recognize that you can discard all hearts on diamonds.

Many players went for 6NT. There is only one defense to beat this, the diamond lead. But bidding this contract is a 50-50 chance most of the time. You miss the diamond king and the Ace of hearts. Luckily you have 12 tricks if diamond is not led.

From the three other hands I won two and lost another one.

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