bridge

bridge

North-South vulnerable. East deals.

NORTH

xA 10 9 2

uA Q 8 7

v6 3

wK 10 2

WEST EAST

x8 5 4 x7

u4 2 uK J 10 9 6 5

vQ J 9 8 4 vA 5

wJ 9 4 w8 6 5 3

SOUTH

xK Q J 6 3

u3

vK 10 7 2

wA Q 7

The bidding:

EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH

2u Dbl Pass 3u

Pass 4x Pass 5u

Pass 6x Pass Pass

Pass

Opening lead: Four of x

Slam on the North-South cards is an iffy proposition, but that is of minor interest. Would you rather play or defend six spades after a trump opening lead?

After East’s weak two-heart opening bid, South’s takeout double and North’s cue-bid are textbook, as is South’s leap to game with a good five-card suit and better than minimum holding for the double. After North’s cue-bid confirmed slam interest by showing the ace of hearts (the earlier cue-bid did not promise that card), it is difficult to stay out of six spades.

Suppose you elect to win the opening lead in hand and cross to dummy with a trump, East discarding a heart. You now lead a low diamond, inserting the king when East follows low. When it wins, continue with a diamond. Since East has no more trumps, you can win any return and use your club entries to ruff two diamonds in dummy. That gives you 12 tricks — five spades, three clubs, a trick in each red suit and two diamond ruffs.

A seemingly normal line, however, gives the defenders a chance. Instead of discarding a heart on the second trump, suppose East is a brilliant defender and jettisons the ace of diamonds! Now West can win a diamond trick and lead a third round of trumps, and you are a trick short.

But do not be too quick in electing to defend. Suppose you win the first trick in dummy and immediately lead a diamond! Now no defense can stop you from ruffing two diamonds on the table and making your slam.

2012 Tribune Media Services