BRIDGE

East-West vulnerable. West deals.

NORTH

xJ 5 3 2

u10 5 4

vA J 10

w6 4 3

WEST EAST

xA K Q 8 x10 9

uA 7 6 u8

v? 8 5 v? 4 3 2

wK 7 5 wQ J 10 9 8 2

SOUTH

x7 6 4

uK Q J 9 3 2

vK 7 6

wA

The bidding:

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1NT Pass 3w 3u

Pass Pass Pass

Opening lead: Ace of x

We continue with a deal from Eddie Kantar’s award-winning series “Thinking Bridge,” designed for players anxious to improve their game.

“There are several ways to sign off in a minor after partner opens one no trump. East-West were using three clubs and three diamonds as signoffs. Others use the jumps as invitational and others as slam tries! What does this tell you? It tells you that you and your partner must discuss your methods for responding to one no trump with long minors.

“West starts with three high spades, East discarding the queen of clubs, showing a sequence in clubs headed by the queen. West plays a fourth spade to kill dummy’s established jack, and South overtrumps when East ruffs.

“As declarer, the key card to find is the queen of diamonds, and there is no rush to play diamonds. As much information as possible (points and distribution) should be gleaned from the other suits before attacking diamonds, a suit that can be finessed in either direction.

“South drives out the ace of hearts. West wins and exits safely with a club to your ace. After drawing trumps, you have the following information at your disposal: West started with nine high-card points in spades, four in hearts, and the king of clubs (based on East’s discard of the queen) for a total of 16 high-card points. ... If West has the diamond queen, he would have 18 points and would have been too strong to open one no trump. Play East for the diamond queen...”

2009 Tribune Media Services