Both vulnerable. South leads.

Both vulnerable. South leads.
NORTH
x J 5 4
u A 6 2
v K Q 10 9 5
w 10 6
WEST EAST
x Q 9 7 x 8 6 3 2
u J 10 9 4 3 u 7
v 7 4 3 v A J 6
w A J w 9 8 5 3 2
SOUTH
x A K 10
u K Q 8 5
v 8 2
w K Q 7 4
The bidding:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1NT Pass 3NT Pass
Pass Pass
Opening lead: Jack of u
The thrust and parry of a master technician and a top-flight defender is thrilling to watch. Sometimes the play seems like second-best. Consider this deal.
These days nobody considers a low doubleton as a reason not to open one no trump with a hand that meets all other requirements. Of course, North had no problem raising to game.
West led the jack of hearts, won in hand with the king. With five tricks in the major suits, declarer, Roger Bates of Mesa, Ariz., immediately ran the eight of diamonds. Had East won this trick with the jack, declarer would have had clear sailing. However, a very devious East allowed declarer to hold the trick!
Had South repeated the finesse, the contract would have been defeated. Declarer would need two entries to establish and run the diamonds, and there was only one on the table. However, after long thought South double-crossed East by leading a diamond to the queen, complimenting East on fine defense! Now nothing could defeat the contract as the cards lie since the diamonds could be run whether or not East took this trick.
What if West had started with four diamonds to the jack, and a second finesse was the only way to land the contract? This deal would never have seen the light of day!
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;2004 Tribune Media Services