BRIDGE

BRIDGE

Neither vulnerable. West deals.

NORTH

x10 6

u4 3

vQ J 7 2

wJ 10 9 8 5

WEST EAST

x7 4 x2

uQ uA 10 9 8 7 6 5 2

vK 8 6 5 4 3 vA 10 9

w7 6 4 3 w2

SOUTH

xA K Q J 9 8 5 3

uK J

vVoid

wA K Q

The bidding:

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

Pass Pass 4u 6x

Pass Pass Pass

Opening lead: Queen of u

This is another deal from Eddie Kantar’s excellent series of “Thinking Bridge” hands, designed for players who would like to improve their bridge skills.

“Think four-level pre-empts when looking at an eight-card suit along with less than opening bid values. After the four-heart opening, South bids what he thinks he can make. Four-level pre-empts can do that to you.

“At trick one South must play the king of hearts under the ace! Why? When the heart queen is led East knows South has the king but doesn’t know who has the jack. From South’s point of view, the king and jack are equals once the queen is led. In order to protect himself South must play the card he is known to hold — the king. If the king is played at trick one, East may be torn between leading a second heart, trying to cash the diamond ace or even shifting to the singleton club. If South plays the jack at trick one, it’s a no-brainer. West can safely lead a second heart knowing East will ruff. After all, South still has the king.

“Both the declarer and the defenders have to be alert to play cards they are known to have — if it cannot cost a trick. When the card you are known to hold has an equal, it is mandatory to unload the one you are known to hold.”

To find out more about “Thinking Bridge” and other Kantar writings, go to www.kantarbridge.com.

2012 Tribune Media Services