bridge

bridge

Both vulnerable. South deals.

NORTH

xK Q 7 4

uA Q J 9

vA J 5

w7 3

WEST EAST

x9 6 5 3 xJ 10 8

u7 5 2 u8 6 3

v8 7 3 vQ 10 9 4

w10 6 4 wK J 9

SOUTH

xA 2

uK 10 4

vK 6 2

wA Q 8 5 2

The bidding:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1NT Pass 2w Pass

2v Pass 6NT Pass

Pass Pass

Opening lead: Six of x

Among the many wise saws that relate to the play of the cards, one defensive maxim is seldom wrong: Given a choice, play the card you are known to hold. That was enough to steer declarer to the losing line.

The auction was straightforward. North checked for a 4-4 major fit with a Stayman two clubs and, when none was available, made the value bid of six no trump.

West led a second-best spade to show a worthless holding. With only 10 fast tricks available, declarer went after the club suit. The opening lead was won in dummy and a club was led to the queen. When that won, declarer continued with the ace of clubs and East followed with the card he was known to hold — the king of clubs.

Afraid that continuing with a club would allow the defenders to collect two tricks in the suit, declarer gave up on clubs and, instead, tried the diamond finesse. When that lost, East cashed his winning club for down one.

Declarer should not have put all his clubs in one basket. Both minor suits could have been tested to see whether 12 tricks were available. When the queen of clubs won the second trick, declarer continues with a low club. Now declarer can win any return and continues with the ace of clubs. If both defenders follow, 12 tricks can be claimed. If one shows out, declarer abandons clubs and falls back on the diamond finesse for the fulfilling trick.

2011 Tribune Media Services