Neither vulnerable. East deals.

Neither vulnerable. East deals.

NORTH

x4

uK J 4 2

vQ 5 4

wK J 9 8 5

WEST EAST

xJ 2 x10 8 5

u9 7 5 3 u10

vA K J 10 8 2 v9 7 6 3

w7 wA Q 10 3 2

SOUTH

xA K Q 9 7 6 3

uA Q 8 6

vVoid

w6 4

The bidding:

EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH

Pass 2v 4v Dbl

5w 5x Dbl Pass

Pass Pass

Opening lead: Seven of w

Even at the highest levels, partners must do all they can to help each other. Consider this deal from a major European pairs tournament.

South’s two-diamond opening bid was an artificial game force. West seized the opportunity to make a pre-emptive jump overcall of four diamonds and North made a negative double — for takeout, not penalties. East was prepared to sacrifice at five diamonds and elected, en route, to make a lead-directing bid of five clubs. West wanted to make sure that partner, on winning the club trick, returned the suit and did not shift to a diamond. He, in turn, did so by doubling five spades.

Everything worked like a charm. The club lead was covered by the jack and taken with the queen. It did not take a genius to see that declarer was void in diamonds, so East cashed the ace of clubs and led a third round. Declarer’s fate was sealed. He was forced to ruff with the queen of spades and East’s ten of spades was promoted to the setting trick.

2009 Tribune Media Services