North-South vulnerable. South deals.

North-South vulnerable. South deals.

NORTH

xK 7 4 2

uK 10 2

vJ 7 6 5 2

w4

WEST EAST

xQ 9 8 6 xJ 5

uQ 6 5 3 uJ 9 4

vVoid vQ 10 9 8 4 3

wK Q 9 5 2 w8 6

SOUTH

xA 10 3

uA 8 7

vA K

wA J 10 7 3

The bidding:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

2NT Pass 3w Pass

3D Pass 3NT Pass

Pass Pass

Opening lead: King of w

There is a saying in the Old Country: “If you drink the water, you die; and if you don’t drink the water, you die!” East-West understood it better after this deal.

North really had no better bid at his second turn than three no trump. The club shortness was not that bad since the auction marked South with some length in the suit.

West led the king of clubs. Declarer won with the ace and returned the jack, discarding a spade from the table as West followed low. South persevered with the ten to West’s queen and a diamond was pitched from the table as East signaled with the ten of diamonds.

West exited with the six of spades. Declarer captured East’s jack with the ace and cleared the ace and king of diamonds, West parting with a low card in each major. The king of spades was cashed and another spade was led, putting West on lead in this position:

x —

uK 10 2

vJ 7

w —

x — x —

uQ 6 5 uJ 9 4

v — vQ 9

w9 5 w —

x —

uA 8 7

v —

w7 3

West led a low heart and declarer cashed the king and ace and exited with a heart, not caring which defender won the trick. If East won, he would have to surrender the fulfilling trick to North’s jack of diamonds; if West won, declarer’s seven of clubs would be the ninth trick.

Very pretty indeed!

2008 Tribune Media Services