BRIDGE

Both vulnerable. South deals.
NORTH
x Q J 2
u 8 4 3
v 6 5 3
w A 10 4 2
WEST EAST
x 8 6 x 7 4 3
u Q 10 9 6 5 u J
v J 10 9 v A K 8 4 2
w J 7 5 w Q 9 6 3
SOUTH
x A K 10 9 5
u A K 7 2
v Q 7
w K 8
The bidding:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1x Pass 2x Pass
4x Pass Pass Pass
Opening lead: Jack of v
Study the diagram above and decide: Would you rather play or defend four spades after the lead of the jack of diamonds?
The bidding was straightforward. For North to even consider responding one no trump with his balanced 7 points boggles the mind. Even playing four-card majors, a one-spade opening usually contains a five-card suit so to respond one no trump with good three-card support for partner's suit and nothing resembling a stopper in the red suits is out of the question. Opener has an easy jump to game.
Suppose you elect to play. If hearts are 3-3 you can simply draw trumps and concede a heart, claiming the rest of the tricks. Even a 4-2 heart break will allow you to take the top hearts, concede a heart and then ruff the fourth heart high. Unfortunately, East's singleton heart complicates the issue. However, you were right if you elected to declare.
After the defenders take two diamond tricks, East shifts to the jack of hearts. Win in hand, cross to dummy with the jack of trumps and lead a heart. East cannot afford to ruff profitably since he would be trumping a loser. No matter what he discards, you win with your remaining high heart and concede a heart. Win any return in hand, ruff the fourth heart high, draw trumps and the rest of the tricks are yours.
& copy; 2005 Tribune Media Services