Neither vulnerable. North deals.

Neither vulnerable. North deals.

NORTH

xJ 5 4

uA 9 2

vQ 8 7

wK Q J 10

WESTEAST

x8 2xA 10 9 6

uK Q J 10 8 5 4 3uVoid

vKvJ 9 5 4 3 2

w7 6w9 8 3

SOUTH

xK Q 7 3

u7 6

vA 10 6

wA 5 4 2

The bidding:

NORTHEASTSOUTHWEST

1wPass1x3u

PassPassDblPass

3xPass4xPass

PassPass

Opening lead: Queen of u

The first major event at the recent ACBL Spring North American Championships in Houston was the Silidor Open Pairs.

Third-time winners were former New Jersey residents, now Floridians, David Berkowitz and Larry Cohen. They were in third place going into the final two sessions but averaged better than 63 percent in the finals to win going away.

The secret of their success is conservative bidding and careful play, with an emphasis on avoiding taking chances. This deal from the finals is a fine example of their style.

Most West players entered the auction with a four-heart pre-empt, doubled and usually down two. Berkowitz was content with three hearts and his opponents ended in an “iffy” spade game.

Berkowitz led a Rusinow queen of hearts (second-best from touching honors) and Cohen ruffed away dummy’s ace. He returned a low diamond.

Declarer thought for a while before playing low, and Berkowitz won his singleton king and, to make sure his partner ruffed, returned his eight of hearts — suit preference for a diamond. East dutifully obliged, and West ruffed. The ace of trumps was still to come for down two and 68 percent of the matchpoints.

2009 Tribune Media Services