East-West vulnerable. South deals.

East-West vulnerable. South deals.

NORTH

xQ 10 6

uA J

vQ 7 4 3

wK Q J 9

WEST EAST

xJ 8 4 xVoid

u10 7 5 2 u9 8 6 4 3

v10 9 vA K J 8

w8 6 4 2 w10 7 5 3

SOUTH

xA K 9 7 5 3 2

uK Q

v6 5 2

wA

The bidding:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1x Pass 2w Pass

2x Pass 3x Pass

4w Pass 4u Pass

4x Pass Pass Pass

Opening lead: Ten of v

The concept of 2-over-1 forcing is a cornerstone of modern bidding. A new book (“2-Over-1 Game Force,” by Audrey Grant and Eric Rodwell, paperback, 238 pp., $19.95, available from Baron Barclay Bridge Supplies, [800] 274-2221) is a clear, simple and readable explanation of the bid and its ramifications by one of the country’s great players combining with one of its best bridge teachers.

“South opens one spade and North makes a 2-over-1 response of two clubs. With two four-card suits, North bids up-the-line. South’s hand is worth 19 points — 16 high-card points and 3 length points for the seven-card suit. That’s enough to consider slam after responder shows enough to commit the partnership to game.

“Since Blackwood is unsuitable here [a response of two aces will not clarify whether there could be two fast diamond losers], a cue-bidding sequence elicits the information that there is no diamond control and the bidding ends in four spades.

“After the ten of diamonds opening lead, East wins the first three diamond tricks and continues with a fourth diamond. South must ruff high to prevent an overruff. The only remaining problem is the possibility of a 3-0 trump split. Since East started with four diamonds and West only two, West is a favorite to have spade length, so declarer starts with the ace of spades. When East shows out, a finesse of the ten of spades lands the game.”

Sound advice, easy to read and sure to improve your game.

2009 Tribune Media Services