NORTH

NORTH
J 4 2
A K 10 3
A 6 3 2
A J
WEST EAST
K 7 Q 10 9 5 3
J 8 7 5 Q 6 4 2
10 8 7 5 K 4
7 5 4 K 3
SOUTH
A 8 6
9
Q J 9
Q 10 9 8 6 2
The bidding:
NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST
1 Pass 1NT Pass
3NT Pass Pass Pass
Opening lead: Five of
Gilbert and Sullivan must have been whist players. All too often at the card table, the punishment does fit the crime.
If the auction seems strange, it is because North-South were playing a forcing club system. North's one-club opening showed at least 17 points, South's response was positive and North's jump to game showed a balanced minimum hand, 17-18 points. South had no reason to look further.
West led a low diamond and declarer seeing many tricks in diamonds rolling in, played low from dummy. East shot up with the king and declarer was now looking at three diamond tricks. Unfortunately for South, East could see no future in diamonds and shifted to a low spade. Declarer played low, West won with the king and returned the seven. Declarer played low from the table, East inserted the eight and declarer held up, winning the continuation. South could not come to nine tricks without clubs, but East took the king of clubs at the first opportunity and cashed two more spades for down one.
South should have realized the menace of the spade suit. The contract is relatively simple to make and the winning line is foolproof. Declarer must rise with the ace of diamonds at trick one and lead the ace and jack of clubs, overtaking with the queen if necessary. Declarer can claim nine tricks -- five clubs, two hearts and the aces of spades and diamonds, and there are chances for overtricks, depending on the defense.
& copy; 2006 Tribune Media Services
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