Jimmy Sez # 23

I played in a club game yesterday* and was confronted with this great hand.  See what you think of my decision.  We were having a good game and this was the first hand in the last round with opponents vulnerable.

            Bidding                                

S         W        N         E                    

2C       Pass   2D       Pass              

2H       Pass   2S       Pass              

3D       Pass   3S       Pass

4D!      Pass   5D       Pass  

6D!      Pass   Pass   Pass              

S –

H – A Q J 10 9 07

D – A K Q J 10 4

C - 4

Was I greedy?  Should I have passed?  Remember the game is match-points and if the slam does make, should we not be in hearts?  Let me go through my reasoning and see what you think.  When   I bid 4D I clearly was looking for a preference.  If partner had bid 4H I was prepared to pass as it is obvious that if partner held the heart king he would have taken control.  By bidding 5D he has a definite preference for diamonds.  My hope of course is that he has a singleton heart and four trumps.  Clearly partner is taking the preference for a reason.  If no slam is available 4 or 5 hearts is best.  At best, if he has two hearts the slam is on a finesse.  Well here is partner’s hand:

S- K Q 10 9 5

H- 6 2

D- 7 6 5 2

C- Q 10

You decide.  The finesse fails and believe it or not only one other pair bid the slam.  We came in second.  Maybe I should have bid clubs partner suggested.  Maybe I was too greedy.  

* - These are not published in any chronological order so this was in fact NOT played yesterday. - :)bb