Both vulnerable. East deals.

Both vulnerable. East deals.
NORTH
J 8 6
A 10 7 5 2
9 7
J 9 4
WEST EAST
Q 9 2 10 7 5
K Q J 8 6 4 9 3
6 5 4 3 2
Void A K Q 7 6 3 2
SOUTH
A K 4 3
Void
A K Q J 10 8
10 8 5
The bidding:
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
3 5 Pass Pass
Pass
Opening lead: King of
Study the diagram above and decide: Would you rather play or defend five diamonds after the lead of the king of hearts?
We are prepared to hear from readers about what pet gadget they have to describe the South holding. To our way of thinking, South's leap to the diamond game is as good a choice as any.
Suppose you elect to defend. After all, declarer can score six diamond tricks, three spades and the ace of hearts, but where is the 11th trick?
However, you should choose to declare. Obviously, West must be void in clubs and that gives you a chance. Duck the opening lead in dummy and ruff in hand. Draw all the outstanding trumps and then play ace, king and another spade.
West wins but is down to nothing but hearts. When he continues with the queen of hearts, allow him to hold the trick, discarding a club from hand. His forced heart return allows you to win two heart tricks to take care of your losing clubs. You lose only one heart and one spade trick.
Argentina's leading bridge journalist, Carlos Cabanne, found this line at the table. It proves that it is not necessarily true that those who can't play, write.
& copy; 2007 Tribune Media Services
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