Bridge

Bridge

Both vulnerable. South deals.

NORTH

x7 5 4

uQ 8 7

vJ 8 4

w7 5 4 3

WEST EAST

xQ 10 9 6 2 xK 8

u10 6 3 uJ 9 5 4 2

v10 9 7 vK 5 2

w9 6 w10 8 2

SOUTH

xA J 3

uA K

vA Q 6 3

wA K Q J

The bidding:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

2w Pass 2v Pass

3NT Pass Pass Pass

Opening lead: Ten of x

The bidding is simple enough — you start with an artificial game force of two clubs, then jump to three no trump with 27-28 points after partner’s expected two-diamond response.

West’s lead of the ten of spades is correct from an interior sequence. Looking at your hand and dummy, there are 10 sure winners — one spade, three hearts, two diamonds and four clubs. The problem is getting to dummy’s tricks. All is well if spades are 4-3, but what if West started with five spades? Even then, your contract is secure.

Allow East’s king of spades to win the first trick and win the spade return with the ace. Now cash the ace and king of hearts and just enough clubs to exhaust the enemy’s cards in the suit, then exit with the jack of spades. West can take his three spade tricks but then must return a red suit. Whichever he chooses gives you your ninth trick.

Well played!

2010 Tribune Media Services

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