East-West vulnerable. North deals.

East-West vulnerable. North deals.

NORTH

x7 5

uK 8 6 5 3

vJ 4

wA J 9 4

WEST EAST

x6 4 2xA

u2uQ 10 9 7 4

v6 5 3 2vA K 7

wK 10 8 7 6wQ 5 3 2

SOUTH

xKQ J 10 9 8 3

uA J

vQ 10 9 8

wVoid

The bidding:

NORTHEASTSOUTHWEST

Pass1u4xPass

PassPass

Opening lead: Two of u

Here’s another deal from Eddie Kantar’s excellent series “Thinking Bridge,” published in the Daily Bulletins at the recent ACBL Spring North American Championships in Houston.

“Facing a passed hand, South should forget about slam and simply bid four spades. South needs very little in partner’s hand to make four spades. A good partner will have what you need. If partner doesn’t have it, it’s his fault.

“This deal exemplifies the type of overview declarer must take before playing to the first trick. Ostensibly there are three losers, two diamonds and a spade. But the bidding and opening lead must be considered as well. It is clear that the opening lead is a singleton. It is also clear that when East gets in with ace of spades, East can and will give partner a ruff. The heart ruff along with the two top diamonds spells down one. However, declarer has a counter. Win the king of hearts and discard the ace of hearts on the ace of clubs! Applause. Goodbye heart ruff, declarer winds up losing two diamonds and a spade.

“When playing a contract that looks relatively easy, ask yourself if anything can go wrong (Murphy’s Law). If there is some danger, ask yourself if there is any way to overcome it. You have to do this kind of thing early. Later may be too late!”

2009 Tribune Media Services