bridge

bridge

Both vulnerable. North deals.

NORTH

xA 8

uA 9 6 3

vK 7 5 4

wJ 7 2

WEST EAST

x6 4 x9 5 3 2

u8 2 u10 7 5 4

vQ J 10 6 2 vA 9 8 3

wQ 10 8 5 w6

SOUTH

xK Q J 10 7

uK Q J

vVoid

wA K 9 4 3

The bidding:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1v Pass 2x Pass

2NT Pass 3w Pass

3NT Pass 4w Pass

5w Pass 6w Pass

Pass Pass

Opening lead: Queen of v

As was their wont, the Great Detective and his assistant, Dr. Watson, were relaxing in the living room at 221B Baker St. after dinner and a game of bridge at the club. The good doctor was still amazed at Holmes’ skill on a slam hand.

“I still don’t see why you didn’t lose two trump tricks,” remarked Watson. ”Why didn’t West make two trump tricks?”

“Elementary, my dear Watson,” replied Holmes. “As long as West held at least two cards in each red suit, the slam was laydown” He scribbled the hand on a piece of paper and passed it to Watson.

“I ruffed the opening lead in my hand and cashed the ace and king of trumps, discovering the break. I entered dummy with the ace of hearts, ruffed diamond and cashed the king of hearts and started running spades.

“If West ruffed low at any point, I would overruff in dummy then return to hand and continue to play winners. If West ruffs high and returns a diamond, I ruff in hand and continue to play spades, neutralizing his remaining trump!”

2012 Tribune Media Services