Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Neither vulnerable. East deals.
NORTH
x10 5 4
uK 9
vJ
wK J 8 6 4 3 2
WEST EAST
x8 xA K Q 9 6 2
uJ 10 5 u3
v10 9 8 6 5 4 2 v7 3
wA Q w10 9 7 5
SOUTH
xJ 7 3
uA Q 8 7 6 4 2
vA K Q
wVoid
The bidding:
EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH
1x 4u Pass Pass
Pass
Opening lead: Eight of x
This deal was played in a team-of-four match in Philadelphia almost three-quarters of a century ago. Sitting West was one of Charles Goren’s favorite partners, Olive Peterson.
North-South reached a contract of four hearts in quick time and West led a spade, won by East with the queen. That marked East for the three top honors and, more than likely, three tricks for the defenders. The setting trick could come from the ace of clubs, but what if declarer was void in the suit? After a few moments’ thought Mrs. Peterson came up with the winning defense — she discarded the queen and ace of clubs on the second and third spade tricks!
East had no problem. At trick four he shifted to a club and, whether declarer ruffed high or low, West would score a trump trick for down one.
SCrt 2010 Tribune Media Services