bridge

bridge

Both vulnerable. North deals.

NORTH

xJ 10 3

uQ J 10 6 3

v9 2

wJ 6 3

WEST EAST

xK 8 6 5 x4

u8 7 u9 5 4

vK Q v10 8 7 6 4 3

wA 10 8 7 5 wK 4 2

SOUTH

xA Q 9 7 2

uA K 2

vA J 5

wQ 9

The bidding:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

Pass Pass 2NT! Pass

3v Pass 3u Pass

4u Pass Pass Pass

Opening lead: Eight of u

Here’s another deal from a match to select a team for an international tournament. Note South’s decision to open two no trump on a balanced hand with a good five-card spade suit and only a semi-stopper in clubs. North transferred to hearts and, proud of his holding, raised to game.

With a diamond lead declarer would have to go down one. That was not forthcoming. West led a trump, declarer drew trumps and conceded a trick to the king of spades and had no trouble making 10 tricks.

The auction in the other room was interesting to say the least:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

Pass Pass 1w 1v

Pass 3w Pass Pass

Pass

South’s one club was forcing, West’s one diamond implied two suits of the same color, and East’s three clubs was pre-emptive, which declarer could convert if he held two red suits.

West led the diamond king — down one, for a gain of 11 IMPs.

2011 Tribune Media Services