BRIDGE



Both vulnerable. South deals.
NORTH
x A Q 8
u J 4 3 2
v K 7
w K 10 6 5
WEST EAST
x J 10 9 7 x K 6 4 3
u 8 6 5 u 10 9
v Q 9 2 v J 10 8 5 3
w 8 4 3 w 7 2
SOUTH
x 5 2
u A K Q 7
v A 6 4
w A Q J 9
The bidding:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
2NT Pass 6NT Pass
Pass Pass
Opening lead: Jack of x
If you cannot see a clear way to your contract, try cashing your winners. You would be surprised what effect that pressure can have on your opponents.
In keeping with the modern style, South opened two no trump despite the fact that one suit was unstopped. North made the value raise to six no trump, and the second-best contract was reached in quick time. North should have bid three clubs, Stayman, in an effort to locate a 4-4 heart fit, and the far superior heart slam would have been found.
West led the jack of spades. Since it was unlikely that, on this auction, West would be leading away from the king, declarer rose with the ace -- if necessary, a spade could be led toward the queen later. There were only 11 tricks in sight at no trump while, at hearts, a diamond ruff in the North hand would have been the fulfilling trick.
Declarer started running winners. On the third and fourth hearts, East discarded two diamonds while West let go a spade. Next came three rounds of clubs, and East could let go a spade in comfort. The fourth round of clubs killed the defense. West could not afford to discard another spade -- declarer would lead a spade to the ten, queen and king, establishing the eight -- so the defender pitched a diamond. East could not part with a diamond and so threw away a spade. A spade to the eight now fetched the king from East, and the table's queen of spades became the 12th trick.
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

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