Both vulnerable. South deals.

Both vulnerable. South deals.
NORTH
8 5 4
6 4 2
A 4 3 2
10 3 2
WEST EAST
Q 9 7 6 10 2
J 9 Q 10 8 5 3
9 8 7 6 Q
A Q 5 9 8 7 6 4
SOUTH
A K J 3
A K 7
K J 10 5
K J
The bidding:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
2 Pass 2 Pass
2NT Pass 3NT Pass
Pass Pass
Opening lead: Nine of
After the opening lead of the nine of diamonds, declarer could count eight tricks -- four in diamonds and two in each major. What is your best chance for nine tricks?
South's bidding sequence shows a balanced hand of 23-25 points. With a flat four points, all North could do is raise to game and hope for the best. While the textbooks tell you that you need 25 points for game at no trump, that is true when the points are relatively evenly split and you have entries in both hands. Note that, with a heart lead here, even 27 points might not be enough.
West led the nine of diamonds, giving declarer eight tricks. In which suit should South try for a ninth?
It is not a matter of trying. South can set up a club by force for his ninth trick as long as he does not squander his only entry to dummy!
After capturing the opening diamond lead in hand, declarer must lead the king of clubs. No matter what West returns after capturing the king with the ace, declarer wins and returns the jack of clubs to force out the queen. That sets up the ten of clubs and the ace of diamonds is the entry to it.
This 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; 2006, Tribune Media Services
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