Playing rubber bridge against GIB, I am in third seat, not vulnerable against vulnerable. Partner passes, East opens 1, and I find myself looking at this:
10xxxxI decide that East-West are making something big, probably in hearts. Surely a game, maybe a slam. My only defensive values are ... well, not much, but what about a sneaky 1 overcall? Maybe it will keep them out of a good heart fit, or maybe it will mislead them in the play.
9
xxxx
Jxx
The auction proceeds as follows:
I feel vindicated by West's strong 3, but partner's 4 is not especially pleasant, and East's double is even worse. Having made my bed, perhaps I should sleep in it and pass, but I decide to run to spades. Apparently partner doesn't get it, and when his return to 5 is doubled, I pass, because I'd rather play 5 doubled than 6 doubled.
W N E Me Pass 1 1 3 4 Dbl 4 Pass 5 Dbl Pass Pass Pass
Partner's hand turns out to be
xxxxand we end up taking one spade and three trumps for down seven. That's 1300 points their way. Ouch.
Q10xxxx
xx
x
But have you seen the bright side? East-West had 13 top tricks in 7NT, for 1720 plus the rubber bonus. Unhindered by us, I doubt they'd have had any trouble bidding it, either. What a great sacrifice!