Dealer: E Vul: N/S
NORTH
♠ 5
♥ J9863
♦ 9764
♣ 932
WEST EAST
♠ AQJ84 ♠ K1092
♥ AQ7 ♥ 105
♦ AKQ ♦ 3
♣ 104 ♣ AKQJ85
SOUTH
♠ 763
♥ K42
♦ J10852
♣ 76
On Board 18 last Friday Tony Hinde and Len Don bid and made the only Grand Slam since Pat Kelly and Joh Nankervis made 7NT in January this year. A Grand Slam requires thirteen tricks to be made after the bidding reaches seven level. When Len (East) opened 1C Tony (West) knew that there was a good chance of slam. The only worry was West’s weak club suit. He responded 1S (forcing) to which Len replied 2S. Tony then bid 4NT (asking for Aces). 5D from Len showed one Ace, which had to be the Ace of clubs. With the odds favouring a Grand Slam Tony closed the auction at 7NT.
It didn’t really matter what North led, but as neither hearts or diamonds had been bid North led the six of hearts This gave West a second heart trick. Tony tested the black suits to be sure that there was no unequal distribution, then claimed his contract. No wonder! Had the hand been played out, winners would have been falling on winners.
When a claim is made, declarer must place the remaining cards on the table and explain how they are going to be played. If a defender disputes the claim the duty director is called to adjudicate. Incidentally, the Laws of bridge state that it is contrary to the law to continue to play when you are certain that you can win the rest of the tricks.
Results, Monday, 20/06/25 (4-table Howell): J. Nankervis P. Kelly (70.8) 1; T. Hinde D. Dawes (54.8) 2; W. Milne J. Sipple (51.8) 3 eq; M. Johnston S. Goddard (51.8) 3 eq. Friday, 04/06/25 (3 & ½-table Howell): L. Don T. Hinde (75.0) 1; N. Collins P.Kelly (55.2) 2; S. Head J. Loy (53.1) 3 eq. N. Bonnell V. Prentice (53.1) 3 eq.
