BRIDGE

Neither vulnerable. South deals.

NORTH

xJ 5 4

uA 6 5 4

v8 4

wA K Q 7

WEST EAST

x7 2 xA K Q 6 3

uK 9 8 u3

vK 7 6 5 3 vJ 10 9 2

w9 6 4 w8 5 3

SOUTH

x10 9 8

uQ J 10 7 2

vA Q

wJ 10 2

The bidding:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

Pass Pass 1w 1x

2u Pass 3u Pass

4u Pass Pass Pass

Opening lead: Seven of x

Here’s another deal from Eddie Kantar’s award-winning “Thinking Bridge” series. The hands appeared in the Daily Bulletins at the recent ACBL Spring North American Championships in Houston.

“South is not strong enough to open, but is strong enough to accept North’s invitational raise. Note: North does not count the jack of spades as a point. Unsupported jacks in a suit bid by the opponents are usually worthless — unless partner bids no trump.

“After East cashes three spades, West must find a discard. As West, before discarding decide which suit you want partner to lead. If you said a diamond, think again. You want a spade! Look at your hearts. If partner leads a spade and declarer discards, your eight of hearts drives out the ace. The king of hearts is now the setting trick. If declarer ruffs with an honor (likely), you will discard — and your K 9 8 of hearts will now produce a trick! This is one of those times when you want partner to give declarer a ruff and sluff!

“So how do you get partner to lead a spade? You make a discouraging discard in diamonds, a suit partner will be tempted to lead. If you discard the three of diamonds, discouraging, it doesn’t take an Einstein to figure out you want a spade. After all, how could you want a club?”

2009 Tribune Media Services