Both vulnerable. North deals.

Both vulnerable. North deals.

NORTH

xA 4

uK 6 2

vA Q 10 4

wA K Q 6

WEST EAST

xK 9 8 5 3 xJ 10 6 2

uJ 5 u10 9 7 4

v7 6 5 2 v3

w8 4 wJ 10 9 7

SOUTH

xQ 7

uA Q 8 3

vK J 9 8

w5 3 2

The bidding:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

2NT Pass 4NT Pass

5w Pass 5v Pass

6v Pass Pass Pass

Opening lead: Two of v

Even two balanced hands might play better in a suit contract if there is a ruffing value in each. Consider this deal.

North’s opening bid showed a balanced 21-22 and South inquired about its strength. An interesting way to accept with a maximum is to probe for a 4-4 or better fit by bidding four-card suits up the line. That quickly unearthed the 4-4 diamond fit and, with a ruffing value to boot, North elected to bid the suit slam.

West led a trump and declarer could claim 12 tricks if trumps were 3-2. He cashed a second trump to learn of the 4-1 break and then took the ace and king of clubs before coming to hand with a trump to lead another club.

West was helpless. If he ruffed, declarer would claim since a spade would go away on the high club. If he discarded instead, declarer would win in dummy, ruff the remaining club and cross to dummy with the king of hearts to draw the last trump and concede a spade trick at the end.

Well bid and well played.

2009 Tribune Media Services