bridge

bridge

Both vulnerable. East deals.

NORTH

xA

u9 8 2

vA Q 10 8 6 2

wK 9 2

WEST EAST

x8 3 2 xJ 10 9 7

uQ J 5 u10 7 6 4

vK J 5 4 v3

w8 7 4 w10 6 5 3

SOUTH

xK Q 6 5 4

uA K 3

v9 7

wA Q J

The bidding:

EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH

Pass 1x Pass 2v

Pass 2NT Pass 3v

Pass 4NT Pass 5NT

Pass 6NT Pass Pass

Pass

Opening lead: Queen of u

Here’s another deal from the Bermuda Bowl Championship some years ago. Sitting North-South for the United States were Chip Martel and Lew Stansby.

South’s two no trump rebid showed at least 15 points, North’s three diamonds showed interest in some contract other than three no trump. Four no trump was natural, showing 18-19 HCP. Five no trump said: “Pick a slam,” and six no trump was reached in short order.

In the other room, playing in three no trump, declarer won the heart opening lead and led a diamond to the queen. When that held declarer continued with the ace and the 4-1 break limited North-South to 10 tricks.

Stansby, declaring the notrump slam, made no such error. He won the king of hearts and, at trick two, ran the nine of diamonds. When that held, 12 tricks were easy. Declarer continued with a diamond and, whether West split his honors or not, 12 tricks were there — three tricks in each black suit, five diamonds and two hearts, less one for West’s diamond trick. The United States went on to an easy win.

2012 Tribune Media Services