Both vulnerable. South deals.

Both vulnerable. South deals.

NORTH

xA J 10

uA J 10

vA J 9 4

w7 5 2

WEST EAST

xQ 9 5 x7 6 2

u7 3 2 u9 8 6 4

v7 6 vK 8 5 3

wA 10 8 6 3 wJ 4

SOUTH

xK 8 4 3

uK Q 5

vQ 10 2

wK Q 9

The bidding:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1NT Pass 3NT Pass

Pass Pass

Opening lead: Six of w

It is a natural instinct to win a trick when the opportunity presents itself, especially when there is the possibility of winning a second trick in the suit. But if we all gave in to our basic instincts, anarchy would result!

With 15 points including three aces, and with excellent intermediates, North’s hand is almost worth an invitational raise to four no trump. Lulled by his excess high-card strength, declarer unfortunately took his eye off the ball and paid the price.

West led his fourth-best club, East inserted the jack and declarer won with the queen. Declarer, the club’s habitual finesser, could not wait to run the ten of diamonds. East took the king, returned a club and, no matter which club declarer played, West would take four club tricks for a one trick set.

While a spade finesse had been available, if declarer took it the wrong way he would have only eight tricks. There was a sure-trick line available. At trick one declarer should allow East’s jack of clubs to win the first trick. Declarer can win any continuation and run the queen of diamonds for at least nine tricks. If clubs were 4-3, declarer loses only three clubs and a diamond. If the suit is 5-2, West cannot regain the lead to run clubs. Try it.

2008 Tribune Media Services