BRIDGE

North-South vulnerable. South deals.
NORTH
x A K 8 3
u 8 6 4
v 9 8 3
w 8 5 3
WEST EAST
x 10 6 x 9 7 4 2
u K 7 5 3 u 2
v A K 6 4 v Q 10 5 2
w 10 9 2 w Q J 6 4
SOUTH
x Q J 5
u A Q J 10 9
v J 7
w A K 7
The bidding:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1u Pass 2u Pass
4u Pass Pass Pass
Opening lead: King of v
At first glance it might seem that there is no problem here -- all declarer can lose is two diamonds and a trump. But, as we have often remarked, at the bridge table pessimism pays.
With a hand just good enough for one bid, North chose wisely in electing to raise to two hearts rather than bid one spade. South's hand is just worth a jump to game.
The defense started with the king, ace and a third diamond after East started an echo with the ten of diamonds at trick one. Declarer ruffed the third round and it might seem safe to start on trumps with the ace and queen, but see what happens if West withholds the king. If South plays a third trump, West wins and forces declarer with another diamond, and remains with the only trump in the game for the setting trick. Abandoning trumps is no better -- West simply waits to score his low trump for down one.
The key to the hand is to keep control of trumps. After ruffing the diamond, declarer must lead the queen of trumps from hand and, if West holds up the king, continue with the jack. If West wins, there is still a trump in dummy to take care of the fourth diamond. South can win any return, cash the ace of hearts and then start on spades. As the cards lie, the fourth spade takes care of South's club loser and the only other trick for the defense is the king of trumps.
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