USA 2 Pours It On … Segment 5

As I watch the fifth segment match USA 2 has taken a big lead over USA 1.  We have looked at how Lall and Grue can be tough opponents.  Board 16 is an example of how Woolridge-Hurd can create a   imp swing.

Look at the South hand held by Wooldridge.

Nobody is vulnerable.

A diamond is a kind of long suit game try.  So what do you lead?  A trump is out.  A diamond seems possible.  Stansby is suggesting that he can help in diamonds with the jump to game.  You could lead a diamond hoping to find some weakness.  With a less informative auction you probably would lead a diamond all the time.  If you pick one of the other two suits which one do you chose?  Do you lead the ace or a small one?  All these thoughts must have been circling in Joel’s head.  I think if you are planning a round suit lead you should think about it during the auction and not take forever to make the lead.  Joel put the ♣ 5 on the table and it was devasting.  Here is the whole hand.

Dealer: Vul:	Hurd ♠ 106 ♥ J8 ♦ J976 ♣ Q10872
Stansby ♠ 754 ♥ Q97432 ♦ 8 ♣ K64		Martel ♠ AKJ83 ♥ K6 ♦ AK52 ♣ J3
	Wooldridge ♠ Q92 ♥ A105 ♦ Q1043 ♣ A95

Luck?  Instinct? Skill?  You decide.  Once that small club was on the table Martel was doomed.  Just like you and I he played low and had to lose two clubs, a diamond and a trump.  Grue and Lall played in 4H from the West hand.  Levin lead a club from the queen and Grue had no problem.