bridge

bridge

North-South vulnerable. North deals.

NORTH

x7 6 3 2

uK 7 3

v10 6 5 4

wA 5

WEST EAST

xQ J 5 4 x9 8

uJ 8 4 u10 9

v9 8 3 vK 7 2

w7 6 2 wK Q 9 8 4 3

SOUTH

xA K 10

uA Q 6 5 2

vA Q J

wJ 10

The bidding:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

Pass 3w Dbl Pass

3v Pass 3u Pass

4u Pass 4x Pass

5w Pass 6u Pass

Pass Pass

Opening lead: Two of w

These days, an opening pre-empt simply seems to say that the opener knew it was his turn to bid. On this deal from the Von Zedtwitz Life Masters Pairs Championship, it drove the opponents into slam. Can it be made with best play and defense?

Best is to win the opening lead with the ace of clubs and take a diamond finesse. Continue with the ace of hearts and cross to dummy with the king to repeat the diamond finesse. Cash the ace of diamonds and ace and king of spades, bringing about this ending:

NORTH

x7 6

u7

v10

w5

WESTEAST

xQ J x —

uJ u —

v — v —

w7 6 wK 9 4 3 2

SOUTH

x10

uQ 6 5

v —

wJ

Now South exits with his remaining club and the defense is helpless. East can win but declarer discards his spade on the forced club return, ruffing in dummy. A spade ruff is the entry to hand to draw the outstanding trump and claim.

2010 Tribune Media Services