BRIDGE

Both vulnerable. North deals.

NORTH

x9 4

uA 10 7 6 3

v10 6

wA 8 7 4

WEST EAST

x8 7 3 xA

u2 uQ J 9 8 4

vK 8 7 2 vA 5 4

wQ J 6 5 2 wK 10 9 3

SOUTH

xK Q J 10 6 5 2

uK 5

vQ J 9 3

wVoid

The bidding:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

Pass 1u 4x Pass

Pass Pass

Opening lead: Two of u

Plan your play before committing yourself to the first trick. It could be a few moments well spent.

Since North had passed, South had no idea to whom the hand belonged. One thing was certain — it might be folly to leave the enemy room to explore the possibilities. So South simply overcalled with four spades, and let the chips fall where they may.

Declarer wasted no time in letting the heart lead run around to his king, then led the king of spades. East won and reverted to hearts, West ruffing. Since there was no way for declarer to avoid losing two diamonds, the contract could no longer be made.

Declarer was in too much of a hurry when he played to the first trick. The two of hearts was an obvious singleton and, no matter who held the ace of trumps, the defenders would be able to negotiate a heart ruff for the setting trick if given the chance. But a countermeasure was available to deny that opportunity to the defense.

All that was needed was for declarer to win the first trick in dummy with the ace of hearts and cash the ace of clubs, discarding the king of hearts from hand! Now declarer can lead a trump, and the defenders are helpless. East can revert to hearts after winning the ace of spades, but declarer ruffs high, draws trumps and forces out the ace and king of diamonds and claims 10 tricks.

2009 Tribune Media Services