North-South vulnerable. South deals.

May 5, 2009 at 12:00a.m.

NORTH

xK 6 3

vK 6 5 2

wQ 10 9 7 2

WEST EAST

xQ 10 4 x9 5

uA 8 5 u7 6 3 2

vQ J 10 8 vA 9 7 4

wK 8 3 wJ 6 4

SOUTH

xA J 8 7 2

uQ J 10 9 4

wA 5

The bidding:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1x Pass 2w Pass

2u Pass 3x Pass

4x Pass Pass Pass

Opening lead: Queen of v

Putting a finesse in front of some declarers is like waving a red flag at a bull — it will be taken even if it is not the best line. Consider this deal.

North upgraded his kings in the suits partner bid and decided his hand was good enough to go to game. We agree with his decision.

West led the queen of diamonds, ducked all around. Declarer ruffed the diamond continuation, crossed to the king of spades and took the spade finesse, losing to the queen. West forced declarer with another diamond and there was no way for declarer to come to 10 tricks. When West gained the lead with the ace of hearts, another diamond would ruin declarer’s chances.

Actually, all declarer needed to get home was for trumps to break 3-2. After ruffing the second diamond, declarer should lead a heart toward the king. West must win or expose the ace of hearts to a ruffing finesse. Declarer ruffs the diamond continuation, cashes the king and ace of spades and runs the hearts, discarding a club each time. West can ruff at any time but must let declarer get back to hand with the ace of clubs or a diamond ruff to cash his remaining winners, and dummy still has a trump for the 10th trick.

2009 Tribune Media Services