bridge

bridge

Neither vulnerable. West deals.

NORTH

xQ 8 7 4

u4 2

vA K 5

wK 5 4 2

WEST EAST

xJ 10 x9 6 5 3 2

u9 8 6 3 uA J 10 7 5

v9 6 3 2 v8 7

wA 6 3 w10

SOUTH

xA K

uK Q

vQ J 10 4

wQ J 9 8 7

The bidding:

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

Pass 1v 2u 3w

Pass 3u Pass 4v

Pass 5w Pass 6w

Pass Pass Pass

Opening lead: Three of v

This deal is from the final some years ago of the Bermuda Bowl event, symbol of world bridge supremacy, between Austria and the United States. After East’s undignified weak jump overcall, the Austrians reached an overambitious club slam missing a cashing ace in addition to the ace of trumps.

For a short while the Austrians had some hope when West led a diamond won in dummy. Declarer led a trump to the queen and ace and there was a moment of suspense until West shifted to hearts — down one.

This was the auction in the other room:

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

Pass 1NT 2u 3NT

Pass Pass Pass

Opening lead: Jack of u

The only legitimate play for nine tricks now was to find either defender with specifically the tripleton J 10 9 of spades. Dummy won the first trick with the king and cashed two top spades, fetching the J 10, and returned to hand with the ace of diamonds to play the queen of spades — no luck.

Declarer cashed out dummy’s diamonds and led the queen of clubs, ducked by West! Declarer now had nine tricks but, for some unexplained reason he led another club. West won and returned a heart and now it was East’s turn to star — he followed with a low heart. The U.S. scored 490 for a total of 540, or 11 Imps!

2012 Tribune Media Services