Matchpoint Strategy
by Jim Munday
The previous column discussed setting
goals, with the form of scoring playing a critical role. To be consistently successful at matchpoints,
it is necessary to take calculated risks. Spotting and capitalizing on those opportunities will
lead to improved results. The following is an example from a club game where a calculated risk paid
big dividends.
We pick up an unremarkable hand in 2nd seat with nobody vul: 
Qx 
A9xx 
Jxxxx 
Jx.
The auction begins:
| RHO |
You |
LHO |
Partner |
| 1 |
Pass |
1 |
2 |
| 3 |
? |
The reflex bid is 3. This is
a very reasonable action, and will probably be repeated at a number of tables. This
is a good opportunity to take one of those calculated risks and beat those other
pairs. Partner, by acting between 2 bidding opponents, has shown a good hand. Our hand
is much more valuable than the sum of its HCP (8). We have a great fit for partner, and
there is a good chance diamonds will run. We have a certain trick outside in hearts, and
help in the opponents 2 suits. With this information in mind, it is worth trying to
reach 3NT. The consensus approach, when the opponents have bid 2 suits, is that a cuebid
SHOWS a stopper in that suit, rather than asking for one. It is important to have an
agreement with your partner, regardless of your preference. We do not have a full spade
stopper (the 2nd suit) but LHO figures to have a light response on this auction and RHO
did not raise spades, so it is unlikely they will be led or run. By bidding 3S, partner
will bid 3NT when he stops clubs. If partner does not have a stopper, we can stop in
4D, which should have a play. There are a lot of elements in favor of aggression here, which makes it a worthwhile play. In practice, partner was able to bid 3NT, and aggression
was rewarded as partner held:
Axx xx AQ9xxx Ax.
The diamonds ran (splitting 1-1), providing 9 tricks.
Note how it was critical to hold the heart ace (quick trick) and the 5th diamond. Trying
for 3NT was pushy, with 1 less diamond, or even the king of hearts instead of the ace, the pendulum
would swing back in favor of 3D.