bridge

May 31, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

bridge

East-West vulnerable. South deals.

NORTH

xA 5

u7 6 4

vA K Q 2

w9 8 6 4

WEST EAST

xJ 10 9 8 6 xK 7 4

uA Q J 3 2 u10 9 8

vVoid vJ 10 9 5 4 3

w10 7 3 wJ

SOUTH

xQ 3 2

uK 5

v8 7 6

wA K Q 5 2

The bidding:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1w 2w 2x Dbl

2NT Pass 3NT Pass

Pass Pass

Opening lead: Jack of x

Here’s another “Thinking Bridge” deal, part of Eddie Kantar’s excellent series for players who are eager to improve their game and published in the Daily Bulletins of the ACBL Spring North American Championships in Reno.

“The two-club overcall (a Michael’s Cue-Bid) typically shows 5-5 in the majors with 7-11 high-card points. It can also show 15+ HCP, but partner assumes the minimum for the time being. North’s two-spade cuebid shows opening bid strength with a spade stopper. It asks partner to bid no trump with a heart stopper. East doubles two spades to make sure partner leads a spade against any eventual contract.

“East has asked for a spade lead and West obliges. West hopes East has a quick spade entry and will lead a heart through declarer’s king.

“It’s pretty clear what is going on here. Take the South seat. Judging from the double of two spades, East has the king of spades and will surely punch a heart through your king if he gets on lead. You, on the other hand, barring 4-0 clubs, have at least nine tricks by simply winning the ace of spades and cashing out: five clubs, three diamonds and the ace of spades makes nine.

“So what’s the problem? In case you didn’t notice, the problem is, if the clubs break 3-1 the suit is blocked! If you cash the A K Q, merrily playing low clubs from dummy, the fourth round of clubs will be won by North. Don’t look now, but you have no way back to your hand to cash the fifth club and, if the diamonds don’t break 3-3, down you go. Misery.

“If you notice the club block, you can survive it. Unblock the 9, 8 and 6 under the ace, king and queen. Now when you play the 5 you can triumphantly underplay dummy’s 4 and take a fifth club trick with the 2.

“Standing ovation, please!”

2010 Tribune Media Services