East-West vulnerable. North deals.

East-West vulnerable. North deals.

NORTH

xA J 10 6

uK 2

v9 5 4

wA K Q J

WEST EAST

xK 8 7 5 4 x3

u8 7 6 uA 10 9

v8 7 3 vA Q J 10 6

w7 5 w10 9 3 2

SOUTH

xQ 9 2

uQ J 5 4 3

vK 2

w8 6 4

The bidding:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1w 1v 1u Pass

1x Pass 1NT Pass

3NT Pass Pass Pass

Opening lead: Three of v

Here’s another of Eddie Kantar’s “Thinking Bridge” series for players who want to improve their game, published in the Daily Bulletins at the recent ACBL Fall National Championships in Boston.

“As North, you are a point shy to jump shift to two spades with a balanced hand, and two no trump is out with no diamond stopper. South’s one-no-trump rebid shows a good 7-10 high-card points and at least one diamond stopper — enough for North to bid three no trump.

“With three low cards in partner’s unsupported suit, lead low to show length. The lead of a high spot-card in partner’s unsupported suit shows shortness.

“As East, with A Q J 10 6, normal third-hand at no trump is the ten to drive out the king, retaining at least one diamond in partner’s hand.

“As West, do not cover the queen of spades if it is led. Your length plus lack of intermediate spot cards dictate playing low.

“As South, you have no ’time’ to drive out the ace of hearts. The opponents will take four diamond tricks and a heart. Take the spade finesse instead. This spade layout is tricky. Start with the nine, underplaying the six from dummy. After the nine holds, continue with the queen, underplaying the ten, and finally low to the jack. If you start with the queen and West plays low, you will wind up in dummy the next time you lead the suit with no entry back to your hand to repeat the finesse. Play the same with J 9 x opposite A Q 10 x. Start with the nine, not the jack.”

2009 Tribune Media Services