This is in no way a restricted choice situation. It is simply an example of vacant places. Playing for the drop of the 10 is the percentage play (52-48). A 3-1 break is more likely than a 2-2 break but that is irrelevant here. The decision is between 1-1 and ...
If I had the North hand at IMPS, I would always bid game after after 1H (DBL). My kings might be the equivalent of aces and partner will have a lot of information about the position of the missing honors (and perhaps the trump position).
If my partner does not ...
I have recently switched to forcing at this vulnerability with my regular partner. I was dead set against the idea for many years, but the advantage of a forcing pass here is huge. You can pass with the given hand and suggest 5H, which is just perfect on this hand.
I was the declarer at the other table. Trick 1 went K, ruff, 4, 5. With the 2 and 3 missing, the position was not that clear to Lindqvist. He found the right defense after long thought.
Hi Jeff,
Congrats for the Vanderbilt!
Do you and Eric change strategy for the few times you guys play
matchpoints/board a match ?
With a 1453 or 1435 shape over 1D-1S, would you be more tempted
to bid 1NT at matchpoints ?
Thanks,
Fred