BRIDGE

BRIDGE

North-South vulnerable. South deals.

NORTH

xA J 6 5 2

uK 5 4 3 2

v2

w6 5

WEST EAST

xK 10 7 4 3 x8

uJ 9 6 uA Q 10 7

v9 7 v10 6 5 4

wA J 2 w10 9 8 7

SOUTH

xQ 9

u8

vA K Q J 8 3

wK Q 4 3

The bidding:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1v 1x Dbl Pass

3NT Pass Pass Pass

Opening lead: Ace of w

Put yourself in the East seat and consider — how should you defend against three no trump after partner leads the ace of clubs and shifts to the jack of hearts and declarer plays low from dummy? Can the contract be defeated?

Partner has found the one defense to beat the contract. However, it needs your cooperation to achieve that goal. Suppose you follow with the seven. The best partner can do is continue with a heart, but you will be limited to three heart tricks. Try it.

Winning defense is for you to unblock the ten of hearts under the knave. Now when partner continues with the nine of hearts you can underplay the seven, and a heart continuation gives you four heart tricks to go with the ace of clubs for a one-trick set.

Need further proof that bridge is a partnership game?

2012 Tribune Media Services