43
BRIDGE
Both vulnerable. North deals.
NORTH
xA Q
uJ 6 4 3
vA K 9 8
w7 5 2
WEST EAST
xJ 9 8 3 2 xK 10 6 5
u7 2 u9 8
v6 5 3 v7 4 2
wA J 8 wK 10 6 4
SOUTH
x7 4
uA K Q 10 5
vQ J 10
wQ 9 3
The bidding:
NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST
1v Pass 1u Pass
2u Pass 4u Pass
Pass Pass
Opening lead: Three of x
Here’s another of Eddie Kantar’s “Thinking Bridge” articles, designed for players desirous of improving their game and published in the Daily Bulletins of the ACBL Summer North American Championships, held at the end of July in Washington, D.C.
“Notice North’s raise to two hearts not three hearts. No opening hand divided 4-4-3-2 that is not strong enough to open one no trump is strong enough to give partner a jump raise. North has a maximum raise to two hearts — period.
“When there are two unbid suits, the general rule is to lead from the one that does not have the ace. If neither has the ace, lead from the stronger.
“Woe to the declarer who does not count sure tricks (winners) before playing to trick one. South has 10 top tricks: one spade, five hearts and four diamonds. Taking the spade finesse at trick one represents taking an unnecessary risk. For the sake of an overtrick, it puts the contract in jeopardy. Playing tournament bridge, where overtricks are important, declarer has a problem.
“If declarer takes the spade finesse at trick one, East wins and, seeing potentially threatening diamonds in dummy, should shift to a low club, promising a high honor. If declarer inserts the nine of clubs, West wins the jack and plays ace of clubs and a club to East’s king to defeat the contract one trick.
“As declarer, count your no-trump tricks (even at a suit contract) before playing to the first trick. If you are used to counting losers, do that too, but be sure to factor in ’extra winners’ (dummy’s fourth diamond). Unless you are playing tournament bridge, don’t even think of risking your contract for an overtrick. If you do, you should have reason to think that the odds are in your favor.”
2009 Tribune Media Services