bridge

bridge

Neither vulnerable. South deals.

NORTH

xK 7 6

uK Q

vK Q J 9 2

wA J 10

WEST EAST

xQ 8 4 2 xJ 10 9

uA 7 6 4 u8

v6 5 3 vA 10 8 4

w6 2 wK Q 8 5 4

SOUTH

xA 5 3

uJ 10 9 5 3 2

v7

w9 7 3

The bidding:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

2u Pass 4u Pass

Pass Pass

Opening lead: Six of w

Here’s another deal from a team event at the ACBL Fall Nationals in Orlando. After a modern-style weak two-bid by South the auction was soon over. At most tables West led a low spade and declarer had no problem. He forced out the ace of diamonds and could coast home by discarding three black-suit losers on diamond winners.

At a few tables the opening lead was the six of clubs, ducked in dummy. Most Easts won with the queen and shifted to the jack of spades — good defense if the queen and ace of spades were switched. However, South was now in command.

The winning defense is not easy to find at the table. East must return a low club as a suit-preference for diamonds. Now West can win the first trump lead, return a diamond to his partner’s ace and get a club ruff for the setting trick!

2011 Tribune Media Services