Both vulnerable. East deals.

Both vulnerable. East deals.
NORTH
x K J 7 6
u K 6
v A Q
w A Q 10 8 6
WEST EAST
x Q 5 x 8
u Q 10 8 7 3 u A J 9 2
v J 3 2 v K 10 9 7 6
w 9 5 4 w K J 7
SOUTH
x A 10 9 4 3 2
u 5 4
v 8 5 4
w 3 2
The bidding:
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1v Pass 1u Dbl
3u 3x Pass 4x
Pass Pass Pass
Opening lead: Seven of u
More contracts are blown at trick one, either by declarer or by a defender, than at any other time during the play. Consider this deal.
West did not have much but it is not wise to conceal a five-card major from the opening bidder. North doubled for takeout and East jumped to three hearts; this does not show a strong hand (you can redouble for that) but good support and a distributional hand. With a six-card major, South was not going to be shut out of the auction, and North raised to game.
West led the seven of hearts, dummy played low, East won with the jack and, after cashing the ace of hearts, exited with a spade. Declarer drew two rounds of trumps, ending in hand, and led a club to the queen and king. East won but no matter what he returned the contract could not be defeated.
Had East employed the Rule of 11 at trick one, the defense could have prevailed. Subtracting the pip of the card led, seven, from 11 would leave a difference of four. That is the number of cards higher than the one led in the other three hands. Since East holds three and dummy one, declarer has none. East should play low from hand! When West's seven holds, it is not difficult for West to work out that a diamond shift is urgently required. Whether declarer plays the ace or takes the finesse, in the fullness of time the defenders collect another heart trick and one in each minor for down one. Try it.
& copy; 2005 Tribune Media Services
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