bridge

bridge

East-West vulnerable. East deals.

NORTH

xJ 6

uA 10 2

vA 5 3

wA K J 7 4

WEST EAST

xK 7 4 2 x10 8 5 3

uQ 9 7 4 uJ 8

vK 10 9 8 v6 4 2

w5 w10 6 3 2

SOUTH

xA Q 9

uK 6 5 3

vQ J 7

wQ 9 8

The bidding:

EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH

Pass 1NT Pass 2x

Pass 2NT Pass 3NT

Pass Pass Pass

Opening lead: Ten of v

This deal is from a regional pair event at the recent Summer North American Championships in Toronto. As South, you elect to open one no trump (theoretically 15-17). Partner’s two spades asks about the strength of your opener, and you have no problem describing a minimum, so partner is content with game.

You duck the opening lead and capture the trick in hand with the queen. You can count 11 tricks but, on the theory that, when you can count 11 there is often a 12th available, you prepare the groundwork for the additional overtrick. You cash two rounds of clubs, ending in dummy and run the jack of spades, losing to the king.

It seems that your best chance is for a squeeze, which will operate if either defender holds the king of diamonds and four hearts. Based on the opening lead, that will be West.

Win West’s spade return, cash the remaining clubs and part with two hearts from hand. Next, cash the diamond ace, and West will now have to hold the king of diamonds to guard against your jack. Cross to the king of hearts and cash your last spade, bringing about this three-card ending:

x —

uA 10

v5

w —

x — x8

uQ 9 uJ

vK v6

w — w —

xQ

u6

vJ

w —

Now play the queen of spades, and West has a choice of ways to commit suicide. A diamond allows you to score the jack, and a heart promotes the ten to the 12th trick.

Well done.

2011 Tribune Media Services