bridge

bridge

East-West vulnerable. West deals.

NORTH

xA 2

uJ 9 3

v5 4 2

w9 5 4 3 2

WEST EAST

xK Q J 7 4 x10 3

uVoid uK 8 7 6 5 4

v10 8 7 6 vQ J 9

wQ 8 7 6 wJ 10

SOUTH

x9 8 6 5

uA Q 10 2

vA K 3

wA K

The bidding:

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

Pass Pass Pass 2NT

Pass 3NT Pass Pass

Pass

Opening lead: King of x

Here’s another deal from Eddie Kantar’s excellent series “Thinking Bridge,” designed for players looking to improve their game.

“Neither West nor East has a weak two-bid opening at this vulnerability, not to mention that West has only a five-card (plus a three suited hand — both flaws), and East has an anemic suit, not to mention he can stand a lead in two other suits (two more flaws).

“Win the ace of spades at trick one as there is a good chance that the suit is blocked if East has 10 x or J x. Also, there is no point in holding up when the needed heart finesse heads into the hand with the spade length. In fact, it can be counterproductive.

“Basically, you need four heart tricks to make this contract, which means finding East with the king. The proper card to lead originally is the nine.

“If it holds, continue with the jack, underplaying the ten and eventually taking four heart tricks.

“If you start with the jack and it holds, you will not be able to pick up four or more to the king because you will be forced to win the second heart trick in your hand, with no way to get back to dummy.

“As East, if the jack of hearts is led from dummy do not cover. Partner is either void or has a singleton. That singleton could be the queen! Don’t ask.

“If the hearts were Q 9 x facing A J 10 x, the proper card to lead originally is the nine. Two ’nine is fine’ card combinations to tuck away.”

To find out about Kantar writings, go to www.kantarbridge.com.

2010 Tribune Media Services