Both vulnerable. South deals.

Both vulnerable. South deals.
NORTH
x -A 10 8 7 4
u -Q 10 9
v -A 6
w -9 7 3
WEST EAST
x -J x -K 3
u -J 6 5 u -K 8 7 3
v -9 8 3 v -10 7 5 4 2
w -A K Q 5 4 2 w -8 6
SOUTH
x -Q 9 6 5 2
u -A 4 2
v -K Q J
w -J 10
The bidding:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1x 3w 4x Pass
Pass Pass
Opening lead: King of w
Here's another chance for you to test your analytical skills. Would you rather play or defend four spades after the lead of the king of clubs?
The auction is typical of the modern style. After West's weak jump overcall, North judged his 10 high-card points, including two aces and five-card trump support, were too good for simply bidding three spades and elected to jump to game, an action which meets with this department's approval.
Suppose you elect to defend. West starts with the king, ace and queen of clubs. You discard from one of the red suits. Declarer plays a spade to the ace and, when the king doesn't drop, cashes three rounds of diamonds, discarding a heart from dummy, then puts you on lead with your trump. You must either give declarer a ruff-sluff or lead away from the king of hearts. No matter which, declarer wraps up 10 tricks.
However, you missed an opportunity to defeat the game. Go back to trick three. Instead of discarding, ruff the queen of clubs with the king of spades and return a spade! No matter what declarer elects to discard at trick three, there is no way to avoid losing a heart trick -- down one.
& copy; 2005 Tribune Media Services
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