Comment on Board 6 game: 2022-01-11 RealBridge LOP Assisted Play Duplicate
Board 6 |  AJ3 K6 AK92 J875 |
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| 82 AJ942 3 Q10942 |  | KQ974 Q7 QJ85 K6 | Double Dummy Solv:Bo Haglund
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| 1065 10853 10764 A3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| West | North | East | South |
| 1S | Pass | ||
| 1NT | Pass | 2D | Pass |
| 2S | All pass |
The only response available to West is 1?NT - it doesn't show a balanced hand just any 6-9 pointer. North should not be tempted to join in even with 16 points. The hand is far too balanced and you are much more likely to get a plus score by defending.
Deals where the HCP are split evenly between the sides, without a magic 8 card fit require carefully handling and the cards to behave. On this deal West's diamond shortage is a very nice source of tricks for EW by ruffing, and no gain will happen without setting up extra trick in hearts.
TIP:
When you have work to do, do not put it off or it may be too late. As defenders: Leading doubletons should be last resort. Always consider your lead options in this order - partners suit, the unbid suit, trumps.