bridge

bridge

North-South vulnerable. West deals.

NORTH

xA J 9 3

u6 4 2

vJ 4

wQ 4 3 2

WEST EAST

xQ 10 8 7 5 4 xK

u10 3 uJ 7

vK 9 6 vA Q 10 7 5 2

w6 5 wK J 9 8

SOUTH

x6 2

uA K Q 9 8 5

v8 3

wA 10 7

The bidding:

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

2x Pass Pass Dbl

Pass 2NT 3v 3u

Pass 4u Pass Pass

Pass

Opening lead: Six of v

Some hands are of interest because of some dramatic play that determines the outcome. But some quiet hands are notable for the beauty of their concept. Follow the play on this deal from a major French tournament.

West held as little as the law allows, perhaps less, for an opening weak two-bid. To make sure partner did not think he was merely competing, South reopened with a double and, when he then freely introduced his heart suit, four hearts became the contract.

West led the six of diamonds to partner’s ace and won the return with the king. The switch was the six of clubs, and declarer played the hand with supreme technique. After playing low from dummy and capturing the jack of clubs with the ace, declarer drew trumps in two rounds and then led a spade to the ace, fetching the king. Now a low club lead toward the ten putting East on the spot. If he rose with the king, declarer eventually would discard a spade from hand on the queen of clubs, so East followed with the eight. Declarer won with the ten and reverted to spades, and no matter how West proceeded after winning with the queen, dummy’s jack would provide a parking place for South’s losing club.

What if West started with both high spade honors? After winning the queen of spades, West would be endplayed — dummy’s six of trumps is an entry to the table. Try it!

2012 Tribune Media Services