bridge

June 4, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

bridge

Both vulnerable. South deals.

NORTH

xQ 10 5

uQ 8 6 4

vQ 10 6 3

w8 4

WEST EAST

x8 xJ 7 6 4 2

uA 9 3 2 u10 7 5

v8 7 5 2 vK 9 4

wA Q 6 2 w5 3

SOUTH

xA K 9 3

uK J

vA J

wK J 10 9 7

The bidding:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

2NT Pass 3w Pass

3x Pass 3NT Pass

Pass Pass

Opening lead: Eight of v

The big difference between pair events and rubber bridge is the importance of over- and undertricks in the tournament game. Declarers worked hard on this deal from a major pairs event in search of the overtrick. It seldom worked, and in some instances it led to a one-trick set.

After a Stayman sequence resulted in a no-trump game, depending on how declarer continued, some East-West pairs scored two tricks each in hearts and clubs and a diamond for down one.

Some declarers were prepared to conserve their energy. Since dummy entries were few, they elected to set up nine tricks and get on with the next board. After winning the first trick, they banged out the king of clubs and, on regaining the lead, continued with the knave. That guaranteed nine tricks and offered a fair play for an overtrick. Your choice.

2010 Tribune Media Services