BRIDGE

Neither vulnerable. West deals.
NORTH
x 2
u Q 8 5
v J 8 5 2
w A 10 6 4 3
WEST EAST
x Q 9 7 6 x 5
u 2 u A K J 10 9 6 4 3
v A 6 4 3 v 9 7
w Q 9 7 5 w J 8
SOUTH
x A K J 10 8 4 3
u 7
v K Q 10
w K 2
The bidding:
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
Pass Pass 4u 4x
Pass Pass Pass
Opening lead: Two of u
South, declarer at four spades, was defeated one trick and could do nothing about it. Which four tricks did declarer lose?
With seven sure tricks in hearts, East correctly preempted with four hearts. South had no problem with overcalling four spades, which ended the auction.
West led the two of hearts. Which four tricks did declarer lose, and how were they lost?
This is too easy. South lost a heart, the ace of diamonds and two trump tricks, thanks to accurate defense.
The opening heart lead was won by East with the nine, and the defender continued with the king. Declarer ruffed with the ten. Had West overruffed, that would have been the end of the defense. Declarer would win any return, draw trumps and, after conceding the diamond ace, claim the rest of the tricks.
Instead of overruffing, however, West discarded a diamond and, try as he might, declarer had to lose two trump tricks and the ace of diamonds -- down one. This technique is known as a trump promotion. When South ruffed with the ten, West's nine was promoted to a setting trump trick. This situation occurs frequently and you should always be alert to the possibility of executing this defensive coup.
XThis column is written by Tannah Hirsch and Omar Sharif. For information about Charles Goren's newsletter for bridge players, call (800) 788-1225 or write Goren Bridge Letter, P.O. Box 4410, Chicago, Ill. 60680
& copy; 2003, Tribune Media Services