bridge

bridge

Both vulnerable. East deals.

NORTH

x9 8 6

uK J 9 7 5

v4 3

wA 6 2

WEST EAST

xJ 10 4 xK 5

u8 6 uA 3

vQ 9 6 5 vK J 10 8 7 2

wQ 10 8 3 wK 9 7

SOUTH

xA Q 7 3 2

uQ 10 4 2

vA

wJ 5 4

The bidding:

EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH

1v 1x 2v Dbl

3v 4u Pass Pass

Pass

Opening lead: Five of v

It is all very well to get the defense off to the right start. But make sure you choose the correct fork when the road divides!

North’s double of two diamonds was responsive — for takeout with emphasis on hearts rather than for penalties. With what appeared to be a well- fitting hand, South contracted for game in the known eight-card or better fit.

West led partner’s suit and East’s jack, the correct technical play, was won by the ace in the closed hand. A low heart to the jack lost to the ace and, since it was obvious to East that declarer’s spade suit could be set up for club discards, the defender shifted to the seven of clubs to try to establish tricks for the defense.

Declarer’s eight was covered by the ten and ducked in dummy and West continued the good work by continuing with a low club, taken by dummy’s ace. East fell from grace by contributing the nine — it was essential to jettison the king under the ace.

Declarer made the most of the reprieve. A spade to the queen won, the ace of spades was cashed and declarer crossed to the table with a trump. A diamond was ruffed in the closed hand and the defenders’ misery was completed when South exited with a club to the king. Down to nothing but diamonds, East was forced to concede a ruff-sluff. Declarer trumped in hand, discarding the table’s spade loser, and the table’s trumps took the last three tricks.

2011 Tribune Media Services