bridge

bridge

Both vulnerable. West deals.

NORTH

xJ 10 7 6

uA J 4 2

vA 6

wA 7 6

WEST EAST

xQ 5 2 x8 3

uK 10 8 uQ 9 6 5

vQ 10 8 4 3 2 vJ

w3 wJ 10 9 8 5 2

SOUTH

xA K 9 4

u7 3

vK 9 7 5

wK Q 4

The bidding:

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

Pass 1w Pass 1v

Pass 1u Pass 3NT

Pass Pass Pass

Opening lead: ?

This deal is from the Marsha May Sternberg Board-a-Match Teams at the recent Fall North American Championships in Seattle. Sitting West for the eventual winners of the event was GerriAnne Klafter.

Put yourself in the West seat. What would you lead against three no trump and why?

With little hope of getting back to hand in time even if her diamonds could be established, Klafter selected a heart lead, but not just any heart — she led the ten, which was ducked all around, and continued with the king, won in the closed hand. In an attempt to establish spades without allowing West to gain the lead, declarer cashed the ace and king and continued the suit. West won with the queen and led her remaining heart. East completed the defense by scoring two heart tricks, but the contract was just made.

At the other table the same contract was reached, but West selected the eight of hearts for the opening lead. The play went much the same way when West got on lead with the queen of spades, she still held the ten of hearts. Declarer simply refused to cover and declarer could not score more than nine tricks and eventually picked up a 10th trick to win the board and the title.

2012 Tribune Media Services