BRIDGE

North-South vulnerable. South deals.

NORTH

xA 9 6 4

uK J 4

vQ 9 2

wA Q 4

WEST EAST

xQ 8 7 5 3 xJ

u9 7 u10 8 6 3 2

v8 6 4 3 v7 5

w8 6 w10 7 5 3 2

SOUTH

xK 10 2

uA Q 5

vA K J 10

wK J 9

The bidding:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

2NT Pass 7NT Pass

Pass Pass

Opening lead: Six of v

What started out as an odds-against grand slam suddenly became more promising. As is so often the case, the key to the hand was counting the opponents’ distribution.

North-South reached seven no trump in quick time. South’s opening bid promised 20-22 points and North, with a balanced 16, took a reasonable shot. However, duplication of values in hearts and clubs resulted in there being only 12 fast tricks and it seemed that a miracle position in spades would be needed to land the 13th.

West led a second-highest diamond to show no interest in that suit. Declarer started by clearing diamonds, discarding a spade from the table as West followed and East discarded a heart and a club. Next came six winners in hearts and clubs, West discarding a spade on the third trick of each suit.

The count was complete. West started with 4-2-2 in the suits that had been cashed out, hence had started with five spades. East had, therefore, started with a singleton spade, and the contract could be made only if that spade was one of the missing honors.

When the king of spades was led, East produced the jack, and declarer knew what to do. A spade to the nine held and another routine grand slam was in the bag!

2009 Tribune Media Services