Daily IntoBridge - Ace Again

I had a hard time getting to Ace level this season. I seem to be unable to concentrate at the computer screen, resulting in silly mistakes. The age takes it tolls too.

This hand aced my again, albeit at rank 104 only. Not bad considering almost 4000 participants in the ladder. The season starts two levels below your last rank now, so at Queen level for me. As usual, the advancement from King to Ace was the hardest.

The system I play has 2♥ as Mullenberg, showing 5 hearts and a 4-card minor, 9+ points. I gladly passed. West doubled hoping for a fit in the other suites, most likely spades and clubs, and North offered me the second suite which I can interpret as 5-5 now with some strength. Still, hearts looks like the right place to be. I made the contract, but only barely. 

On the other table, 1NT was passed and went down 2, which is worth less than my partscore.


This hand is interesting from many viewpoints. The system I am currently playing uses "two way new minor forcing", where 2♣ is a relay to 2♦ with "any invite", and 2♦ directly shows a game forcing hand. I do not know why Lia did not bid the game forcing branch here. 

Later, Lia  explains 3NT as "suggestion to play" with 5 spades. I do not understand that bidding. Without the explanation, I would have passed. Knowing about the 5-card suite, bidding 4♠ is natural, but may still not be the best choice. 

As the hand stands, you can endplay East in hearts for 4♠+1. Just draw all trumps, discard one diamond on clubs and ruff the last one. Then play a low heart. That does not work in 3NT. Most tables got the overtrick for free, because East played ♥K.

♠ - ♥ - ♦ - ♣

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