Round of 32 Part 2 - Smash or Pass: Slam’s Edition

Welcome to Smash or Pass: Slam’s Edition! This article highlights the wildest slams from the fourth quarter. Some were textbook, easily bid and made, while others were entirely double-dummy and impossible to reach without seeing all four hands. For each board, we’ll call it a “smash” if the slam is reasonable and approachable. On the other hand, we’ll call it a “pass” if the slam is only reachable double-dummy or just too risky, where caution might have been the wiser choice. Think of it as a bridge version of the classic game, but with high-level slams on the line!

Board 15:

From a double-dummy perspective, 7NT and 7♦ are both cold, while 7♥ suffers a heart loser. However, looking at the North-South hands, 6♦, 6♥, and 6NT are all reasonable contracts. Each might lose a trick, but they still make for solid, approachable slam opportunities. 

In other words: Smash on small slam, but think twice before going to grand. 

Only one table 7♦ and made it, while eighteen of the other thirty-one pairs successfully bid and made a small slam.

Board 19:

6♦ appears to be a sound contract. Barring a 5-0 trump break or an unfavorable heart split, the chances are strong. The real challenge is reaching it: West players who classify their hand as a 22–24 balanced type may struggle to show diamonds later in the auction, making it far from straightforward to uncover the slam. 

Verdict: Smash on 6♦.

Board 21:

6♦ is close to a coin toss; its fate largely depends on the club finesse. If the ♣K is onside, the slam rolls home comfortably. If not, you’re likely down. However, with East-West competing in spades, it’s far from easy for North-South to exchange detailed information. The interference makes precise slam exploration extremely difficult.

Even so, this is a smash. It may hinge on a finesse, but it’s a practical slam in a competitive auction. 

Board 22:

Surprisingly, 6♠ by North is actually cold double dummy. But don’t be fooled: it’s nearly impossible to reach, and even making game could be tricky at some tables. Easy pass on this one.

Board 24:

Both 7♦ and 7NT are cold grand slams and were very approachable in practice. Out of thirty-two tables, only four pairs missed the grand or ended up in the wrong contract. Smash.