bridge

bridge

Neither vulnerable. South deals.

NORTH

xA 5

uK 10 6

vA Q 9 6 2

w8 6 5

WESTEAST

xQ 7 6 4xK J 10 8 2

u9 7 3u5 4

vJ 10 7 3v8 5

wK 9wA Q J 7

SOUTH

x9 3

uA Q J 8 2

vK 4

w10 4 3 2

The bidding:

SOUTHWEST NORTHEAST

PassPass1v1x

2u2x3uPass

4uPassPassPass

Opening lead: Four of x

Bridge is a largely mathematical game. It is simply a matter of choosing the line that offers the best percentage. However, that does not mean you have to be a whiz at figures to choose the best line — there are simple rules to apply in many cases. Consider this deal.

Looking at the North-South hands, it might seem that declarer has three club losers only and can claim. However, there is a simple rule to apply — when you are missing an even number of cards in a suit, expect the break to be uneven; when you are missing an odd number, expect the division to be as close to even as possible.

Applying that rule to the hearts and diamonds, declarer should expect a 3-2 split and a 4-2 split. That is all declarer needs to know to land the contract.

Win the opening lead in dummy and draw two rounds of trumps, leaving a high trump on the table. When both defenders follow, cash the king and ace of diamonds and ruff a diamond high. Return to dummy with a trump, and cash the diamonds, discarding a spade and a club from hand, and you have 10 tricks.

Note than both minor-suit distributions followed the rule, splitting 4-2. And trumps also followed the rule, splitting 3-2.

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