Both vulnerable. South deals.

Both vulnerable. South deals.
NORTH
x Q 10 8
u J 10 9 7
v Q 5 4
w 9 6 3
WEST EAST
x 6 3 2 x A K J 9
u A 8 5 3 2 u Void
v 10 9 v 8 7 6 3 2
w J 10 7 w 8 5 4 2
SOUTH
x 7 5 4
u K Q 6 4
v A K J
w A K Q
The bidding:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
2NT Pass 3NT Pass
Pass Pass
Opening lead: Three of u
For the Fall North American Championships in Denver, Eddie Kantar had again prepared a set of "Thinking Bridge" problems for players anxious to improve their game. (These deals are available in sets of 100 from Eddie Kantar at ekbridge@earthlink.net)
With a 4-3-3-3 distribution it is, in general, a losing policy to employ Stayman -- opener's rebid gives away his distribution; third hand has a chance to double the two-club or three-club inquiry to direct a lead; and, with no ruffing value, there is often the same number of tricks available at no trump as in the suit. Hence North's raise to three no trump.
West led a low heart, and East's problem is to get partner to lead a spade if he regains the lead. However, East cannot afford to discard an encouraging spade since he will be throwing away a trick. He must embark on a different campaign -- discarding negatively in suits he does not want partner to play.
On the opening lead East discards the two of clubs. Since declarer cannot come to nine tricks without three in hearts, when next a heart is led West wins with the ace and East discards the two of diamonds. The spade shift is now clear, and East collects four spade tricks for a one-trick set.
& copy; 2006 Tribune Media Services
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