Bridge

March 28, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

Bridge

East-West vulnerable. South deals.

NORTH

xQ 9 8 6

uA K Q 6

vA Q 8 2

WEST EAST

x4 xK J 7

uJ 10 7 2 u9 5 4 3

vK 6 4 3 v10 5

wK 8 5 3 w10 9 4 2

SOUTH

xA 10 5 3 2

vJ 9 7

wA Q J 6

The bidding:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1x Pass 2NT Pass

3w Pass 3v Pass

3x Pass 4u Pass

4x Pass6x Pass

Pass Pass

Opening lead: Four of x

This deal is from the semifinal round of the Trials to select the U.S. team for the World Championships some years ago. All four Souths declared six spades. The only declarer to succeed was Hugh Ross, of Oakland, Calif.

North’s two no trump was a game force in spades. South showed his second suit, then showed no further interest. North gave up all thoughts of a grand slam.

West’s lead of his singleton trump did declarer no harm. East’s jack of trumps was taken with the ace and dummy’s top hearts were cashed, declarer discarding two diamonds from hand.

There followed the ace of diamonds and a diamond ruff, then the ace and queen of clubs, West following with a low club. Declarer ruffed low on the board, ruffed a diamond in hand and continued with the jack of clubs, ruffing away West’s king.

When declarer now led the last diamond from the table, East could do no better than discard a heart. Declarer ruffed his last club with the queen of trumps, and had to score his ten of trumps for the fulfilling trick.

2010 Tribune Media Services