Just Another Push Board

Playing a regional Swiss match against experienced opponents, I hold my usual sort of hand.

97532

96532

54 Both sides are vulnerable and the auction starts just the way I expect it when I hold a hand like this. Partner opens a 12-14 NT and RHO doubles for penalty. Partner likes to play everything natural here. Even 2

is to play. Yuck. I suppose I could guess to bid hearts and decide to run if I am firmly doubled. Or I could sit it out. Too bad we don't play Stayman.

Another plan seems reasonable. If I bid 2 and redouble when doubled, partner will pick a major. The only danger is that I get to play 2. If we were not vulnerable, that'd be no danger at all; even -400 should be a pickup. I'll probably take a couple of tricks in diamonds; after all, they won't know I've bid a short suit. The real reason I like this approach is that most good pairs play that they can't pass out 2. If they bid over it, I'm happy; if they double, I have a plan. I doubt partner will cross me up by raising; if he does, so it goes.

I try it. All pass. Rats. I catch the dummy of my dreams:

A10

KJ1074

852

KJ3 I don't care what the system is; that doesn't look like a 1NT opening to me, but whatever. The opening lead is the

10, and they pick me clean. They can't stop me from taking the

A, so I'm down seven for an inelegant -700.

Comparing with our teammates, I announce that we have a weird result. On this board, they declare, "+690." "Push." We win the match 10-0. "What was the weird result?"