bridge

bridge

Neither vulnerable. South deals.

NORTH

xQ 9 8 7 5 3

uK Q

v10 3

wQ 10 4

WEST EAST

xJ 10 6 4 xA K 2

u9 5 u10 8 7 6 3 2

vA Q J 6 2 v5 4

w9 6 w3 2

SOUTH

xVoid

uA J 4

vK 9 8 7

wA K J 8 7 5

The bidding:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1w Pass 1x Pass

2w Pass 2x Pass

2NT Pass 3NT Dbl

Pass Pass Pass

Opening lead: Four of x

There are many fine technicians who are admired for their skill in the play and defense of a bridge hand. But the truly great players are those who have a feel for the table, which allows them to take positions few would dare. Among the very best of them was the late Alvin Roth, who was not only a master theoretician and player, but had an incomparable ”nose” for sniffing out the lie of the cards. Here is an excellent example of what we mean.

The auction shown is routine except for East’s final double, a call few would think of let alone venture! But Roth sensed that the diamonds might be declarer’s Achilles heel, so he doubled for a spade lead to enable him to lead diamonds through declarer.

West duly cooperated, and the opening spade salvo was fatal for declarer. South put up dummy’s queen in an effort to stem the tide — to no avail. Roth’s king won, and declarer had to make a costly discard. To pitch a heart or a club would be to let go the fulfilling trick, so declarer reluctantly let go a diamond. Mayhem followed!

West won as cheaply as possible and reverted to a spade. Roth won with the ace and switched back to a diamond through the king, allowing the defenders to take the first nine tricks — four spades and five diamonds.

This hand was played in the days before the penalty for doubled non-vulnerable undertricks was increased, so Roth’s double netted a mere 900 points.

2011 Tribune Media Services