Bridge Deal of the Week (September 14 2016)

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KQ864

A974

KJ

92

Deal
 
AJ10

J82

A9754

AK

 

 

Problem


The Auction:

West North East South
      1NT
Pass 2♣ Pass 2
Pass 3♥! Pass 4♠
Pass 4NT Pass 5♣
Pass 6♠ all pass

 

You open the auction with 1 NT, North responds with 2♣ (Stayman), you deny a four-card major with 2 and North bids 3. This game forcing bid – a Smolen transfer* – means North has 5-4 in majors, with spades the longer suit.

As you have a three card support in spades you answer with 4♠. North asks for aces, you show 3 keycards by RKCB keycard system and North declares 6♠. West leads the ♣6. How are you going to play this small slam?

* The Smolen transfer is an extension of the Stayman convention. It is used when the responder has 6-4 or 5-4 in the majors. After 1NT-2♣-2 the responder bids the complementary (shorter) major on three level so the opener can declare the final contract.

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There are two possibilities to play this hand; both involve using the side suit of diamonds.

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