Quicktricks 3/30

Matchpoints unfavorable you deal

AJ ATxx Jxxxx Ax

1D - 2C - 2S - 3C
p - p - 3D - p
?

I mulled over this for a while before deciding to pass. 5D and 4S are cold, but +150 was enough for 6.5/8 matchpoints anyway.

What I was thinking: I didn't like 3N with Ax in clubs, I can't even hold up 2 rounds. And just because partner made a 2 level bid doesn't mean he has the values... I know I make that bid with really horrible hands sometimes when I have a fit for partner and don't want my long suit to get buried.

I figured it was matchpoints, so missing game wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. Partner had Qxxxx Kx AQT9x x.

It looks like the stronger players on BBF are passing, or if forced to play a game, would choose 4S.

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Another hand the opponents had a misunderstanding and missed a transfer, and I stupidly didn't draw the final trump and gave declarer a free trick. Trust me, it was dumb. It didn't matter though.

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Declaring 3N after 1N - 2C - 2D - 2N - 3N
You get the HQ lead

KTxx
xx
xx
AJTxx

A9x
Axx
KQJT
Kxx

RHO plays a middle spot and LHO... shifts to a spade! You play small and win the Q in hand with the A.

Obviously we have dodged a bullet with the shift, and what's more, we have possibilities to pick up the spade suit. At this point, I stupidly played king and a club. Because LHO shifted, I can drive out the DA and make the avoidance play in clubs later. It's not clear to me what happens if LHO continues hearts, because even if I pick up 5 club tricks, that still only brings my total to 8. I may have to guess the spades and eventually go after diamonds anyway, but the point is, the opponents gave me an opportunity here, and I didn't take it.

Anyway it didn't cost, RHO has the crucial entries, and I only ever have 9 tricks. Still, these are the kinds of things you can't afford to miss.

On a humorous side note: partner opened QJ QJxxx Axxx xx in first