East-West vulnerable. East deals.

East-West vulnerable. East deals.

NORTH

x9 8 4

uVoid

vA 10 5 2

wQ J 10 9 8 7

WEST EAST

xVoid xK Q J 10

u9 8 7 6 4 3 uA K Q

v9 8 6 vK Q J

w6 4 3 2 wA K 5

SOUTH

xA 7 6 5 3 2

uJ 10 5 2

v7 4 3

wVoid

The bidding:

EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH

2w 2x Pass 4x

Dbl Pass Pass Pass

Opening lead: Six of v

Having a powerful hand is every bridge player’s desire, but distribution can nullify high cards. Retired Navy Captain John Swanson, who held the South cards, reported this deal.

East opened with a game-forcing two clubs and Swanson thought there was little harm in overcalling two spades. The captain’s wife, Selena, North, chose to put it to East by jumping to four spades. East thought Christmas had arrived early and doubled in a tone that warned West it was a penalty double, not takeout.

West led the six of diamonds, won with the ace. The queen of clubs was led, covered by the king and ruffed as East began to look a trifle worried.

A heart ruff was the entry to lead the jack of clubs, covered with the ace and ruffed. A second heart ruff on the table allowed declarer to take a diamond discard on the ten of clubs and a good club was led. East ruffed with the ten and declarer overruffed and ruffed another heart, setting up the jack in declarer’s hand. Another good club was led and, no matter what East did, the defense could not get more than three trump tricks! Four spades doubled and made.

Rumor has it that East has given up the game!

2008 Tribune Media Services