BRIDGE

North-South vulnerable. East deals.
NORTH
x A Q
u 9 7 5 4
v K Q J 8 7
w A 9
WEST EAST
x J 6 4 3 2 x 9 7 5
u 6 u A J 10 8 2
v 9 4 2 v A
w Q 10 8 7 w K J 5 4
SOUTH
x K 10 8
u K Q 3
v 10 6 5 3
w 6 3 2
The bidding:
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1u Pass 1x 2v
Pass 3v Pass 3u
Pass 3NT Pass Pass
Pass
Opening lead: Six of u
The term "junior" is used rather loosely in bridge to refer to players under 23. Certainly, there was nothing about declarer's brilliant falsecard to suggest immaturity!
Looking at all the hands, game is not a sound proposition. At the table, however, it is difficult to stop short. North's three hearts asked South about a heart stopper and three no trump became the final contract.
West led the six of hearts and South, Ophir Reshef of Israel, could count only eight tricks. When East rose with the ace of hearts on the first trick, it was obvious to declarer that a club shift by East would certainly defeat the contract. To prevent that, South followed smoothly with the queen!
East gazed at the card suspiciously, but the lead was consistent with a holding of 6 3 in the West hand so, after some thought, the defender swallowed the bait and returned a low heart. Declarer was in control.
South allowed the heart to run to the table's nine, forced out the ace of diamonds and claimed nine tricks. Needless to say, the brilliant and timely falsecard produced an excellent and unique result.
X This 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; 2004, Tribune Media Services