bridge

bridge

North-South vulnerable. South deals.

NORTH

xJ 5

u9 7 6

vA K 7 6 4 2

w10 3

WEST EAST

xK Q 7 6 x10 9 8 4 2

uA K J 4 2 uQ 10 5 3

v8 v3

wQ 8 5 wJ 6 4

SOUTH

xA 3

u8

vQ J 10 9 5

wA K 9 7 2

The bidding:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1v Dbl 3v Pass

5v Pass Pass Pass

Opening lead: King of u

Bridge players like to bid. However, there are times when silence is golden. Consider this deal from a high-level team match.

North’s jump to three diamonds over the takeout double was pre-emptive. East passed and South boosted to game in the minor — a two-way action. The contract might make, but it could not cost much if it failed.

West led the king of hearts and continued with the ace. Declarer ruffed, drew the outstanding trumps in one round and then went after clubs. As long as the suit did not break 5-1, declarer could set up a long card in the suit to take care of the spade loser. As the cards lie, 12 tricks are easy to take.

This was the auction at the other table:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1v Dbl 3v 3x

5v 5x 6v Dbl

Pass Pass Pass

East’s voluntary bid of three spades convinced North that five spades was a makeable contract, hence the continuation to six diamonds. Obviously, North should not have taken such a unilateral position. The decision should have been left to South.

However, who are we to carp at success? The opening lead and subsequent play were exactly the same, and the swing was huge.

2011 Tribune Media Services