Bid, Pass or Double?

 

In competitive auctions, there is frequently a key moment when one player must decide whether to bid, pass or double.  The are numerous factors involved in these decisions, including degree of fit, holding in the opponents' suit, vulnerability, distribution, location of high cards, and many more.  See also the segment on Forcing Pass.

 

                                          4th June, 2008                    Board 9      E-W Vul

 

 

West has been given the job of making the final decision in this competitive auction.  The choices are:

-         Pass:  This seems altogether too feeble, don’t you think?  East has opened, West has two Aces and 10 points, surely West will not give up so easily.

-         Double:  This could work, but the opponents are non-vulnerable, and it will take a two-trick set to get a worthwhile score.  As the opponents have a 9- or 10-card fit that might be expecting a bit too much.

-         Bid 4♣:  Partner does not have many Spades, and has denied 4 Hearts, so it seems fair to assume that he has at least 5 Clubs.  Hopefully the 9-card fit, the Spade shortness and the good controls will be enough for 10 tricks.

On the actual deal, 4♣ is probably the winning bid.  4♣ will make 10 tricks with careful play, and 3♠ doubled is down one for sure, and down two if Declarer misguesses the Diamond situation (or if the defense makes the mistake of breaking the suit).

 

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