Bidding Guide 2Z18   Main

A Remarkable Deal

by Richard Pavlicek

You are about to witness the most incredible deal. While it probably never occurred, it’s a one-of-a-kind, the only possible layout for its bizarre characteristic, except for suit identity.

3 NT	— A 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 K J Q 10 9
A 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 K J Q 10 9 —			Q 10 9 — A 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 K J
	K J Q 10 9 — A 8 7 6 5 4 3 2

So what is its claim to fame? Note the symmetry and think about which contracts can be made before reading further.

The remarkable feature is that everyone makes 3 NT against any defense. Each long suit is blocked, but whoever leads must allow declarer to unblock his or dummy’s suit, else lead from the K-J. Suppose West leads a low spade; a club is pitched from dummy, then declarer ducks a club to establish that suit. West’s spades, while established, remain hopelessly blocked.

There are many deals where every player can make one notrump, but is believed to be impossible (though unproved) for the case of two notrump. This adds even more incredulity that a case for 3 NT exists.

Bidding Guide 2Z18   Main

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© 2003 Richard Pavlicek