The Silodor Open Pairs, a Spring NABC major event, saw a remarkable victory for the great Bob Hamman, playing with Neil Chambers. Hamman represented the U.S. in the 1964 Olympiad and has been winning world championships and other titles with many different partners ever since.

As today’s East, Hamman showed the fine judgment that has marked his career. When West opened 1NT, Hamman transferred to hearts. Then South came in with a speculative two spades, and two passes followed. What would you do as East?

Hamman had to act but was reluctant to bid three diamonds (which would have been forcing) or three hearts. He chose a value-showing double; since Hamman sat underneath the two-spade bidder, West would not assume that Hamman had a great spade holding.

As it happened, West passed, and they picked declarer clean. West led the A-K of clubs and a third club. Hamman ruffed and shifted to a diamond, and West took the Q-A and led a fourth club. Hamman ruffed, and West got two more trump tricks. Down 800.

Bob Hamman will be 87 years old in August. Wishing you many more birthdays and many more titles, Bob.

Daily question >> You hold: ? A 6 4 3 2 ? 5 ? K 6 ? J 8 4 3 2. Both vulnerable. The dealer, at your left, opens one heart, and your partner bids two diamonds. The player at your right passes. What do you say?

Answer >> It’s an awkward situation, but you should act. Partner may hold quite a good hand to overcall at the two level, vulnerable, and you may have a game. Bid two spades if partner will expect this type of hand from you. If you aren’t sure, raise to three diamonds. You may still have a chance to get to spades.

East dealer

Both sides vulnerable

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