bridge

June 10, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

bridge

East-West vulnerable. South deals.

NORTH

x10 8 6 5

uQ J 4 3

vK 6 2

wQ 2

WEST EAST

xQ J 7 3 xK 4 2

uK 8 u5

v8 7 3 vQ 9 5 4

wK 8 6 5 wA J 10 4 3

SOUTH

xA 9

uA 10 9 7 6 2

vA J 10

w9 7

The bidding:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1u Pass 2u 2 NT

Dbl 3w 3u Pass

4u Pass Pass Pass

Opening lead: Eight of v

This deal is from the finals of the Women’s Pairs Championship some years ago. Sitting South was U.S. star Debbie Rosenberg.

The first two bids were routine and East elected to intervene with two no trump to show the minor suits. It told declarer that she was in grave danger of going down in her game since the king of trumps was likely to be with West. However, all was not yet lost.

The opening diamond lead did declarer little good since the bidding virtually marked East for the queen. However, there were still four likely losers — the king of trumps, a spade and two clubs. A bit of larceny was called for.

Declarer won the opening lead in dummy, came to hand with the ace of spades and led a low heart! West was well aware that South could be looking to steal a trick but it was quite possible for partner to have the ace of hearts instead of the king of spades or ace of clubs. After considerable thought she decided to play low, and declarer quickly wrapped up 10 tricks, losing only one spade and two clubs.

An opening lead of a club from the king rather than a top-of-nothing diamond might have led to the position being made a bit clearer for West, but full marks for South for taking advantage of the situation. Rosenberg and her partner, Karen McCallum, went on to win the title.

2010 Tribune Media Services