Bridge News:

Here is a hand from the June 9 game of the Los Alamos Duplicate Bridge Club that offers both sides an opportunity to bid to a makable part score.

When the HCP are divided rather equally, it behooves both sides to bid to what they feel is the maximum contract they can make.

This is board #7. South is the dealer and both sides are vulnerable.

After South passes, West opens the bidding with 1♣. North should overcall 1♠, and I think most competitive Easts would call 2♦. South has an easy 2♠ response, and perhaps 3♠ if the partnership is playing invitational raises after an overcall. If West, at this point in the auction, is willing to compete to 4♦, his/her side should win the auction and the most matchpoints, otherwise N/S will get the best result.

Looking at all four hands, E/W playing in diamonds will likely lose a heart, a club, and a trump (with good defense). N/S will likely lose a trick in each suit.

When this hand was played locally, two pairs played in 4♠/-1, one pair played in 3♠ /N making 3, and two pairs played in 4♦/E making 4. For a change, all five pairs played and made their optimum contracts!

Los Alamos Duplicate Bridge Club games are held starting at 12:45 p.m., Wednesdays at the Betty Ehart Senior Activity Center (BESAC), and 12:45 p.m. Mondays at the White Rock Senior Activity Center BESAC).

Check out the Los Alamos Duplicate Bridge Club’s new website at www.ladbc.net to learn what it’s all about, contact the club to get involved, join the fun, and much more.