bridge
bridge
Neither vulnerable. South deals.
NORTH
xJ 8 6 4
u6
vQ 10 8 5 3
w10 9 3
WEST EAST
xA 10 7 5 x9 3 2
uA 8 3 uQ J 9 5 4
vK J 2 v9 7
wQ 8 4 wK 7 5
SOUTH
xK Q
uK 10 7 2
vA 6 4
wA J 6 2
The bidding:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1NT Pass Pass Pass
Opening lead: Five of x
This deal, from a qualifying round of Roth Open Swiss Teams at the ACBL Summer North American Championships in Philadelphia, was reported by Bob Hamman, who held the West cards. Declaring was Jan Ratcliff of Highland Park. Ill.
West led a low spade, taken by declarer with the king. The ace of diamonds was cashed and a diamond was continued, covered by the jack and taken in dummy with queen. The suit was continued, West winning with the king.
Hamman cashed the ace of spades, fetching the queen from declarer, and exited with a low heart to East’s knave, ducked by declarer. East continued with a low heart and declarer countered neatly by inserting the seven! West was helpless. No matter what he returned, he would have to bring dummy to life and the contract rolled home. Try it.
2012 Tribune Media Services