Both vulnerable. South deals.

Both vulnerable. South deals.
NORTH
x K 8 4
u J 4 2
v Q J 10
w Q 7 6 4
WEST EAST
x 10 6 x J 5 2
u A 6 u K 10 9 8 5 3
v 7 5 v 8 4 2
w K J 10 9 8 3 2 w A
SOUTH
x A Q 9 7 3
u Q 7
v A K 9 6 3
w 5
The bidding:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1x 3w 3x Pass
4x Pass Pass Pass
Opening lead: Ace of u
Don't try to get more from your cards than they reasonably offer. You are getting this advice for the few cents you invested in this paper. It cost East a lot more on this deal from rubber bridge.
West's weak jump overcall almost kept North-South out of a good game. North had just enough to compete and South had a problem. While the queen of hearts was of doubtful value, the distributional features were just enough to favor bidding game.
West led the ace of hearts and, in response to East's encouraging 10, continued with a heart to the king. East realized that one club trick was all that could be hoped for, so the setting trick had to come from trumps -- either through power or by way of a trump promotion. Suiting the deed to the thought, East continued with a low heart, asking for a club return.
Had South ruffed either high or low, the operation would have been a success. Unfortunately, declarer discarded his club loser on this trick, and West's ruff was the third and last trick for the defense.
East was guilty of gross negligence. He knew from the auction there was only one club trick to be had, so he should have cashed the ace of clubs before leading a third heart. Now there is no way for declarer to avoid losing a trump trick. If he ruffs low, West overruffs; if he ruffs high, the defenders have a sure trump trick. Try it.
& copy; 2005 Tribune Media Services
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