Deception and Concealment

 

When we know where the auction is headed, and when we can also be sure that Partner will not mess things up, there are opportunities in the auction for a little bit of skullduggery, either by concealing our holdings, or by proclaiming holdings which we don't actually have.  A Partner with a good sense of humor is preferable in such situations.

 

 

1st November, 2006          Board 11      Dealer South       None Vul

 

 

Partner has 15-17, we have 17 with a super-duper 6-card suit.  Obviously we are in slam range, though the possibility exists that we are missing two Aces or the AK of Hearts.  Then again, the possibility also exists that we can make 7♠ or even 7NT.  How to proceed?

 

Well, we know what we would do.  It won’t always work, but we would throw science out of the window and just boot out 6NT.  Why overwork the grey matter looking for the perfect grand slam hand from Partner when we can expect at least an average plus just by bidding 6NT directly?  And bear in mind that if we decide to try a 2♥ transfer we are just opening ourselves up for a lead directing double.  So, 6NT is our suggestion, we like to keep things practical and simple.

 

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