Bridge

Friday's bridge...

THE two-suited weak two is becoming increasingly popular, particularly in Poland, and other countries that play a Polish style two-way club. It can often create havoc, for one side or the other. On this deal, from the Mixed Teams in Poznan, many Easts opened 2H, hearts and a minor.

In the match between China and the team captained by Sandra Penfold the English West made a disciplined Pass. Declarer managed six trump tricks for a quiet two down. The Chinese West made an imaginative raise to game. When this came round to Sandra Penfold she decided this was a fit auction, so protected with 4S. West expressed some satisfaction with the result of his unusual bid. Brian Senior tried to improve the spot, but he ran into West's side suit, then Sandra ran into East's. The net result was -1100, and a 15imp swing to the Chinese.

In another match when 2H was passed round to North he decided to protect with 3C – a dangerous manoeuvre with only one place to play and the likelihood that suits are breaking badly. South suggested that 3S might be a better contract, and West doubled enthusiastically. He also doubled North's rescue into 3NT, which turned out to be not much of an improvement: four down for -800. At the other table West tried a non-forcing 2S in case partner had three spades. Here North also bid 3C, but was allowed to play there undoubled for just -200 and another 15 imp swing.