bridge

October 21, 2010 at 12:00a.m.

bridge

Both vulnerable. North deals.

NORTH

xA Q 7

uA J 3

v10 6 4

wK Q 10 7

WEST EAST

x4 2 x8 3

u10 6 uK Q 9 8 5

vK Q J 5 3 v8 2

wA 9 8 3 wJ 6 5 4

SOUTH

xK J 10 9 6 5

u7 4 2

vA 9 7

The bidding:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1NT Pass 4x Pass

Pass Pass

Opening lead: King of v

We have seen numerous examples where counting points can show the way to winning defense. Counting tricks can be as rewarding.

The bidding is routine. However, for those who play transfer bids, allowing North to become declarer makes the defense more difficult. This is a classic example.

Against four spades by South, West led the king of diamonds, won in the closed hand as East gave count by playing the eight. Declarer crossed to the ace of spades and continued with a spade to the jack, then switched to his singleton club. West stopped to count.

Declarer could be counted for six spades and the ace of diamonds. Although declarer might hold a singleton club, rising with the ace would give declarer two more tricks, bringing his total to ten. The only hope was to score two tricks in each red suit, so he played low and declarer won in dummy with the king.

The defense thereafter was perfect. When declarer led a heart from hand, West inserted the ten. There was no way for declarer now to avoid losing four tricks in the red suits. Try it.

2010 Tribune Media Services