bridge

bridge

Both vulnerable. South deals.

NORTH

x10 4

uQ 10 3

vA 9 5

wA Q 8 6 3

WEST EAST

xJ 9 7 3 2 xA Q 8

u9 5 4 uJ 8 6 2

v8 6 3 vJ 7 4 2

w5 4 wK 10

SOUTH

xK 6 5

uA K 7

vK Q 10

wJ 9 7 2

The bidding:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1NT Pass 3NT Pass

Pass Pass

Opening lead: Three of x

There is no doubt that defense is the most difficult facet of bridge. However, that does not mean that finding the right play is hit or miss. The bidding and early play can provide key information. For the next week, we will look at the art of defending.

The bidding is simple enough. With South showing 15-17 points, North has an easy raise to game. West has an automatic lead of his fourth-best spade. Plan the defense.

When dummy appears, East can account for at least 38 points in North, East and South, so West cannot have the king of spades. So to rise with the ace of spades and continue with the queen will be futile — declarer will simply hold up the king for one round and coast home after losing the club finesse.

However, this information is not available to declarer — West could be leading from a long suit headed by the ace-jack. Therefore, should East play the queen of spades at trick one, declarer will capture the queen of spades with the king and rely on the club finesse. When that loses, East continues with the ace and another spade. Down one.

2010 Tribune Media Services