bridge

July 25, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

bridge

Neither vulnerable. North deals.

NORTH

x10

uA K 10 3

vQ J 7 5

wJ 8 7 2

WEST EAST

xK J 9 7 6 3 x5 4 2

uQ J u9 7 5

v9 8 3 v10 6 4 2

wA 3 w9 5 4

SOUTH

xA Q 8

u8 6 4 2

vA K

wK Q 10 6

The bidding:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1v Pass 2w 2x

3w Pass 3x Pass

4x Pass 6w Pass

Pass Pass

Opening lead: Jack of u

There is an obvious reason, when given the choice, for choosing to play in major rather than a minor — you can stop a level lower. On this deal from the Cavendish Invitational Teams, North-South never even mentioned hearts, let alone finding their 4-4 fit, on their way to six clubs.

North-South were playing a forcing club system, and one diamond promised 11-15 points and at least two diamonds. South struck gold by electing to show his good minor suit rather than his featureless hearts, and slam was soon reached via two spade cue-bids.

West led a Rusinow jack of hearts — lower from two touching honors. Declarer won with dummy’s king and led a club to the king and ace. The trump return was taken in hand with the ten, the ace of spades was cashed and a spade was ruffed. Declarer returned to hand with the ace of diamonds and ruffed another spade. After drawing the outstanding trumps, declarer claimed — he collected one spade, two hearts, four diamonds, three trumps and two spade ruffs.

At all the other tables South responded one heart and, afraid of trump losers, never moved beyond four hearts.

2010 Tribune Media Services