BRIDGE

East-West vulnerable. West deals.

NORTH

xA 10 4 2

uQ 6 3

vK J 5

wK J 7

WEST EAST

x8 7 3xK

uA K 5 2uJ 10 9 4

vA 7 3v10 9 8 4 2

w6 5 4w10 9 8

SOUTH

xQ J 9 6 5

u8 7

vQ 6

wA Q 3 2

The bidding:

WESTNORTHEASTSOUTH

Pass1wPass1x

Pass2xPass4x

PassPassPass

Opening lead: King of u

Many years ago, there was a kibitzer at the original Cavendish Club of New York who had a grave pronouncement to make on any situation.

The one handed down over the years is: “If the king is singleton, play the ace!” It has become known as The Rabbi’s Rule. Consider this deal.

The bidding is simple enough. Although South has only 11 high-card points, the double fit fully justifies the jump to game on the second round of the auction.

West led the king of hearts, which held, and shifted to a low diamond, taken by the queen in hand.

Without a moment’s thought, declarer led the queen of trumps and, when West followed low, rose with the ace to drop the bare king and claim the contract.

Clearly, with a combined holding of nine cards missing the king, the percentage play is to take the finesse. Was South simply applying the Rabbi’s Rule, or did he have a better reason?

The play to the first two tricks marked West, a passed hand, with the ace-king of hearts and the ace of diamonds. Had he held the king of spades as well, he would have had a very sound opening bid.

Therefore, this was the time to ignore percentages and play for the only chance — a singleton king with East.

2009 Tribune Media Services