Both vulnerable. North deals.
Both vulnerable. North deals.
NORTH
xK 9 3
uJ 10 5 3
vA Q 4
wJ 9 7
WEST EAST
xQ 8 4 xJ 7
u7 uQ 9 8 6 4 2
vK 8 7 6 vJ 10 2
wK 8 5 4 2 wA 6
SOUTH
xA 10 6 5 2
uA K
v9 5 3
wQ 10 3
The bidding:
NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST
Pass Pass 1x Pass
3x Pass 4x Pass
Pass Pass
Opening lead: Seven of u
When you need a specific lie of the cards to bring home your contract, play as if that distribution exists. This deal is from a club pairs game.
North had a difficult response to make. The choice was between a jump to two no trump with only a partial stopper in one of the minors or a jump to three spades with only three-card support. The eight-card spade fit looked more inviting, and South has just enough to raise to a pushy game.
Four spades was bid at most tables, and the seven of hearts was a very popular opening lead. Most declarers won and tried to cash another heart. West ruffed and shifted to a club, and the defenders took two club tricks and a club ruff for down one.
One declarer realized that he was unlikely to make the contract unless trumps were 3-2 and the king of diamonds was onside. After winning the opening lead with the king, declarer cashed the king and ace of trumps and led the ace of hearts. West ruffed (discarding would have been no better) and the defenders took two club tricks, but South won the third club, took a winning diamond finesse and led the jack of hearts for the marked finesse for the queen. Since the ace of diamonds was still on the table for an entry to the 10 of hearts, which would take care of the diamond loser, declarer claimed 10 tricks.
2008 Tribune Media Services