BRIDGE

Both vulnerable. North deals.
NORTH
x A K 7 4 2
u K 4 2
v A 10
w 6 5 4
WEST EAST
x J 9 x Q 10 8 6
u 7 3 u 5
v K Q 9 8 6 v J 5 4 3 2
w K 8 7 3 w Q J 9
SOUTH
x 5 3
u A Q J 10 9 8 6
v 7
w A 10 2
The bidding:
NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST
1x Pass 2u Pass
3u Pass 4NT Pass
5w Pass 6u Pass
Pass Pass
Opening lead: King of w
Entries are a precious commodity. To succeed at bridge, you must learn to use them with care. Consider this deal.
The moment North raised hearts, South became interested in slam. Four no trump was Key-Card Blackwood, where the king of trumps counts as a fifth "ace." North's five-club response showed three of the five key cards, and South's six hearts ended the auction.
With any lead other than a diamond, the contract would have been a cakewalk. Declarer would have used the king of trumps to establish the fifth spade for a club discard. However, West had a normal lead of the king of diamonds, removing a key entry to dummy before it could be put to use. Can the contract still be made?
Yes, by giving up a spade trick rather than a club. After winning the ace of diamonds, draw trumps in two rounds with the ace-queen, then duck a spade. The defenders are helpless. Win the club shift with the ace, cash the ace and king of spades, discarding a club from hand, then ruff a spade. That sets up a long spade in dummy. Cross to the king of hearts, lead the good spade for a club discard and claim the rest of the tricks.
& copy;2004, Tribune Media Services