bridge

bridge

East-West vulnerable. West deals.

NORTH

xA 10 5

uQ 8 7 4 2

vK Q 3

wK 6

WEST EAST

xQ 9 6 4 3 x8 2

uA K J 10 u9 6 5

v4 vA 8 6 2

w10 9 2 wJ 8 7 3

SOUTH

xK J 7

u3

vJ 10 9 7 5

wA Q 5 4

The bidding:

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

Pass 1u Pass 1NT

Pass 2v Pass 2NT

Pass 3NT Pass Pass

Pass

Opening lead: ?

Looking at all four hands on this deal from an international team championship, it seems that declarer cannot lose more than three heart tricks and a diamond. Can you find the lead that gave declarer a chance to go wrong?

South’s one no trump was forcing, and two no trump was natural and invitational. With 14 high-card points and a five-card suit, North’s raise to game was clear-cut.

After what seems like a normal spade lead, declarer wins in dummy with the ten and simply forces out the ace of diamonds and should probably romp home. However, with North virtually marked with the queen of hearts by the bidding, one West found the devilish lead of the jack of hearts!

Not surprisingly, declarer played low from dummy and ducked again when West continued with the ten. The ace and king of hearts and a diamond to the ace gave the defense five tricks before declarer got into the game!

To us, it does not seem that this is the time to cover an honor with and honor. We must admit that we, too, would have been taken in by West’s brilliant bit of deception.

2011 Tribune Media Services