Both vulnerable. South deals.

Both vulnerable. South deals.
NORTH
x A 10 8 4 3
u 10 9 7 2
v 7
w K 6 3
WEST EAST
x K 7 x J 6
u K 8 6 4 u 5 3
v A 5 4 3 2 v K J 9 8
w 8 7 w Q J 9 5 4
SOUTH
x Q 9 5 2
u A Q J
v Q 10 6
w A 10 2
The bidding:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1NT Pass 2w Pass
2x Pass 4x Pass
Pass Pass
Opening lead: Eight of w
Study the bidding and play of this deal then decide: Did anyone commit an error? If so, who and what?
North's two clubs was a probe for major suits. Once the spade fit was discovered, North made the value raise to four spades -- in support of the master suit his hand was worth a good 10 points.
West led the eight of clubs. Declarer played low from dummy and captured the jack with the ace. A spade was led to the ace and the jack of hearts was finessed, losing to the king. Another club was returned, won with the king. A spade was led to the jack, queen and king. West exited with a low diamond away from the ace, East won with the king and cashed a club for down one. Was the result normal? If not, who was the culprit?
West defended extremely well, but he should not have been given the chance. After winning the first trick with the ace of clubs, declarer should have returned a diamond. That cuts the defenders' communications. East can be kept off lead, and declarer can eventually obtain a club discard on the ten of hearts after forcing out the king. Declarer loses only one trick in each suit except clubs.
& copy;2004, Tribune Media Services
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