bridge

May 12, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

bridge

Both vulnerable. North deals.

NORTH

xK J 6

u8 3 2

vQ 8

wA K 6 5 3

WEST EAST

x9 8 3 x10 7 4 2

uA Q 10 7 6 u9 5

vK 7 2 vJ 9 6 5

wQ 4 wJ 10 7

SOUTH

xA Q 5

uK J 4

vA 10 4 3

w9 8 2

The bidding:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1w Pass 2NT Pass

3NT Pass Pass Pass

Opening lead: Seven of u

This deal is from a four-table party bridge game. At all four tables South became declarer at three no trump and West led the seven of hearts, won in hand with the jack. At all four tables, declarer went down.

South continued by cashing the table’s ace and king of clubs and continuing with a club. East won, returned a heart and West took four heart tricks for a one-trick set.

Actually, the contract cannot be defeated as long as West holds either the queen of clubs or three clubs. After winning the jack of hearts, declarer must cross to the king of clubs and then return to hand with a spade and lead a second club. If the queen does not appear, declarer wins the ace and continues with a club and he can claim nine tricks if West must win the trick.

However, if West follows to the first or second club with the queen, declarer allows the defender to hold the trick. No return can harm declarer, who can now claim nine tricks.

Incidentally, if you have found it difficult to get the equipment for your own party bridge game, your problems might be solved. A new company — Bridget, (877) 497-3298 — has everything you need, including reusable tallies, in attractive sets.

2010 Tribune Media Services