bridge

October 20, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

bridge

Neither vulnerable. South deals.

NORTH

x7 3 2

uA K Q 8

vQ 10 5 3

wK 5

WEST EAST

xJ 10 9 8 5 xK 6

u7 5 u10 9 6 4

vK 6 vA 7 4 2

wQ 10 8 3 w7 6 4

SOUTH

xA Q 4

uJ 3 2

vJ 9 8

wA J 9 2

The bidding:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1w Pass 1u Pass

1NT Pass 3NT Pass

Pass Pass

Opening lead: Jack of x

Among the many adages handed down from the game of whist, “Second hand low” is one of the more sensible — because you don’t want to spend your high cards in situations where it will permit your opponents to retain theirs. However, take a look at this deal.

The opponents arrive in three no trump after a sensible auction. The knave of spades is clearly the most desirous lead — it is from a long suit and one that can be established even should partner, West, have only one of the missing honors. Declarer plays low from dummy and captures your king with the ace.

Declarer crosses to the queen of hearts and leads a low diamond. It is time to consider what you want to do. To defeat the contract partner needs either the ace of clubs or king of diamonds. You can cater to both possibilities by rising with the ace of diamonds despite the axiom and returning a spade. Try as he might, declarer cannot come to more than eight tricks.

By the way, you owe declarer a thank-you token. Had he allowed your king of spades to win, there would have been no way to defeat the hand.

2010 Tribune Media Services