East-West vulnerable. South deals.

East-West vulnerable. South deals.

NORTH

xVoid

u9 7 6 3 2

vA Q J 10 9 6

wQ 6

WEST EAST

x9 5 4 3 x10 8 7 6 2

u5 uJ 8 4

v8 5 3 2 vK 4

wK J 5 2 w8 7 3

SOUTH

xA K Q J

uA K Q 10

v7

wA 10 9 4

The bidding:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

2w Pass 3v Pass

3u Pass 4x Pass

4NT Pass 5v Pass

7u Pass Pass Pass

Opening lead: Six of x

Here’s a chance to show your skill. Cover the East-West hands and decide how you would play seven hearts on this deal from the Kaplan Blue Ribbon Pairs at the recent Fall North American Championships in Boston after the lead of a low spade.

After your artificial game force North’s jump to three diamonds is natural, showing at least a five-card suit headed by two of the three top honors. After you show hearts, North splinters in spades, showing good heart support and spade shortness. Partner’s response to key-card Blackwood confirms he has the ace of diamonds, and your bid of seven hearts ends matters.

When dummy appears after West’s spade lead, a successful diamond finesse probably lands the grand slam. However, if you guess wrong, that’s that! There is a line giving you a far, far better chance. Win the opening lead and cash another spade, discarding the table’s two clubs. Ruff a club in dummy and return to hand twice with trumps to ruff your two remaining club losers. Cash the ace of diamonds, ruff a diamond, draw the last trump and claim. Bravo!

2009 Tribune Media Services