BRIDGE

East-West vulnerable. North deals.
NORTH
xK 9 6 2
uK J
vA 4 3
wQ 9 5 3
WESTEAST
x? 5 x? 10 7
u10 7 6 4 2 uA Q 9 5
vJ 8 7 5 v10 9 2
w? 6 w -? 7 2
SOUTH
xQ 8 4 3
u8 3
vK Q 6
wA J 10 4
The bidding:
NORTH EASTSOUTH WEST
1w Pass 1x Pass
2x Pass 4x Pass
Pass Pass
Opening lead: Four of u
This week we will look at "assumption" -- how placing a particular card where you need it can determine how you play a hand. Here's a classic example.
You arrive at four spades after a simple auction. Once North raises South's one-spade response to his one-club opening bid, the jump to game is a standout.
West leads a low heart and the jack loses to East's queen. East cashes the ace of hearts and shifts to the ten of diamonds. How do you plan to make your game?
You have already lost two tricks, and the ace of trumps will complete the opponents' book. Therefore, you must bring in the club suit without loss and you cannot afford a second trump loser. How do you plan to play, and based on what information?
First, East must hold the king of clubs if you are to bring in the suit. Since that will give East nine points, he cannot have the ace of spades -- he would certainly have taken some action over the opening bid. Once you have placed West with the ace of spades, there is only one way to avoid losing a second trick in the suit.
Win the diamond trick in hand and lead a low spade to the king. When that wins, continue with a low spade, ducking in hand. If that fetches the ace, all you need is to have the king of clubs with East and repeat finesses in that suit will bring home the bacon.
Lucky, yes; but bear in mind that North's four points in hearts were wasted and that you had the skill to scrape home.
& copy;2006 Tribune Media Services
Copyright 2006 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.