Perfect Misunderstanding

Most experts are heavily discussing their system with their partner in order to avoid any sort of misunderstandings.

On this important session in the league, a player was ill, and a sub was called to fill in. They had a long talk agreeing the conventions, carding and whatever else they could, including puppet, Bergen , DONT, 0314 and more. When they reached the issue of 2♣ openings they agreed that it should be game forcing in general except for the 2♣ - 2♦ - 2NT sequence where:
"2NT is 23-24, and you may pass with 0-1 points," said one.
"So, with balanced 25-27 we need to jump to 3NT," said the other.

Thinking they covered all their options here, they moved on to discuss other issues.

During the play, this hand appeared, on which they were the only ones to bid and make the following slam:

Dealer South, all vulnerable.


Dear readers, do you understand the bidding above? No? Don't feel too bad about it as it seems that the players themselves didn't get it either... Actually they both got it so wrong that they found the perfect way to a perfect contract, due to a perfect misunderstanding. Playing with screens, they were asked to explain their own bids and their partner's bids, and here is what they came up with:

Opener:
2♣ - Strong, artificial.
2♦ - 0-7 points, artificial.
4NT - 28-30 points ("Yes, we just agreed that 2NT is 23-24 and 3NT is 25-27, so 4NT is definitely 28-30.")
5♣ - Puppet, stayman.
5NT - No 5 or 4 cards major.
6♣ - Partner prefers slam in clubs.
Pass - OK by me

Responder:
2♣ - Strong, artificial.
2♦ - 0-7 points, artificial.
4NT - asking Aces, 0314.
5♣ - 0
5NT - asking Kings.
6 ♣ - 0
Pass? - "I wonder ... He cannot pass here."

As you can see, 6♣ is unbeatable: Having 11 top tricks, declarer just needs 1 diamond ruff in dummy. On a spade lead, he played ♦AK, ruffed a diamond with the ♣2, cashed ♣QJ, entered hand to cash the ♣AK and claimed 12 tricks, giving up 1 diamond in the end. All other pairs were in 6NT, going 1 down.

So... how do you think the bidding would have gone with his regular partner? ...

Oren's Handplay Problems - 2

This is the second hand in Oren Lidor's handplay series. This time, a defensive problem. Solution will be published the following week, along with a new problem. Have fun!

Defensive Problem


Your partner lead the ♦T. How do you defend to set 4♥?













Solution:




You are playing 4♥. Your Partner lead the ♦10.

Win ♦K and play the ♥4. Whenever you get the hand again with ♦ or ♥, play ♥A, ♦A and give your partner a ♦ ruff.
If You play ♦AK and a 3rd ♦, Partner will ruff with the ♥6 but declarer will overruff , play 3 rounds of clubs and throw his 4th ♦.
Also not good to play ♥A and another ♥. Declarer wins, draw 3rd trick. He is able now to throw 1 ♦ on the 3rd cl and to establish a ♦ trick, losing 2 ♦ and 1 ♥ only.