Neither vulnerable. North deals.

Neither vulnerable. North deals.

NORTH

x7 6

uJ 7 6

vK J 10 6

wQ J 10 8

WEST EAST

x9 5 xA K 4 3 2

u8 4 3 uA Q 10 5

v8 7 3 2 v9 5

wA 6 4 3 w7 5

SOUTH

xQ J 10 8

uK 9 2

vA Q 4

wK 9 2

The bidding:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

Pass 1x 1NT Pass

2NT Pass Pass Pass

Opening lead: Nine of x

Here’s another deal from Eddie Kantar’s excellent series “Thinking Bridge” from the Daily Bulletins at the recent ACBL North American Championships in Las Vegas.

“As South, with only 15 high-card points, you really need a double stopper in opener’s suit to overcall one no trump. You do. As North, your raise to two no-trump shows 8-9 high-card points. As South, after partner digs up a raise to two no trump, you have the fastest pass in history.

“As East, it is clear partner has led from shortness. With 9 x x in spades, a suit he did not support, partner leads low.

“As East, there is no future in spades, so turn your attention to hearts. Assuming declarer has the king, the proper card to lead is the queen, a surrounding play. You have the jack surrounded with the queen and the ten and a higher unequal honor, the ace. Declarer takes the king but, when partner gets in with the ace of clubs, his heart return gives your side three heart tricks to go with the ace-king of spades and the ace of clubs. Down one.

“...When dummy to your right has 10 x (x) and you have A J 9 (x) or K J 9 (x), attack with the jack. ... The common denominator of these surrounding plays is to have dummy’s high card perfectly surrounded by a higher honor and a lower card.”

2008 Tribune Media Services