Puzzle 3Y45 Main
Game Crazy
by Richard PavlicekPuzzle 3Y45 Main |
| by Richard Pavlicek |
You are about to witness two deals that may blow your mind, or at least send the topic of “game bidding” into the Twilight Zone.
The first deal is symmetrical (all hands identical except for suit rotation) and contains a bizarre characteristic.
What is its claim to fame? Hint: Think about the play in notrump.
| NT game |  — A 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 K J Q 10 9
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| 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
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| K J Q 10 9 — A 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 | ||
Incredibly, everyone makes 3 NT against any defense. Each long suit is blocked, and whoever leads must unblock a suit for declarer else lead from K-J. Suppose West leads a low spade; North pitches a club, then a club is ducked to establish the suit. West’s spades, while established, are hopelessly blocked.
Extensive research shows this deal to be unique, except for suit identity. No other layout exists.
There are many deals where every player can make 1 NT. The case for 2 NT, however, is believed to be impossible (though unproved) which adds even more incredulity that a case for 3 NT exists.
Most authorities, including this writer, recommend 26 combined points to justify bidding game in a major suit, but this includes points for distribution as well as for high cards. So what is the fewest high-card points required for game, assuming best defense?
Obviously, 3 HCP would be sufficient with an 11-card suit ( Q-J-10…) and the opponents’ ace and king falling together, but it might be possible to go lower. Perhaps 2 HCP? Or maybe just 1 HCP? Inquiring minds — and obsessive overbidders — need to know!
| Major game | 5 4 3 2 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 —
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| A K A K J 10 A K 8 7 6 5 4 | | Q J Q J A K Q Q J 10 9 3 2
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| 10 9 8 7 6 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 — — | ||
Would you believe zero? Suppose you are declarer in 4 . Don’t ask how you got there, as you may be committed to the looney bin — right along side your mindless opponents who are cold for 7 NT; in fact they couldn’t lose a trick if they tried.
Suppose West leads a club. Discard the heart from dummy, ruff in hand, ruff a heart and lead a trump. No matter how they defend, you can establish hearts with another ruff and crash their trumps to lose only two tricks. An overtrick, no less!
Yes, West can stop the overtrick easily enough, but there is no defense to beat 4 .
Does this give you a charge? Do you feel like overbidding? Well, do ya, punk?
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© 2003 Richard Pavlicek