bridge

bridge

Neither vulnerable. West deals.

NORTH

xA 7 5

uA 10 9 3

vQ 6 4 2

wA 7

WEST EAST

xJ 9 3 xQ 10 8 6 2

u8 6 5 uJ 4

vA K J 10 8 7 v3

wK wQ J 9 8 2

SOUTH

xK 4

uK Q 7 2

v9 5

w10 6 5 4 3

The bidding:

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1v Dbl 1u* 2u

Dbl** Pass 2x 3w

Pass 4u Pass Pass

Pass

*Spades

**Three-card spade support

Opening lead: King of v

Sitting West at this table from the Morehead Grand National Teams at the ACBL Summer North American Championships in Philadelphia was Chris Compton, playing with Bart Bramley. He led the king of diamonds and shifted to the three of spades. Declarer won in hand and reverted to diamonds. West knew his partner was going to ruff, so he covered with the ten and East ruffed away the queen.

The jack of trumps was returned to the ace and declarer took the ace of clubs, dropping the king. The club continuation was covered by the eight and ten and ruffed by West who exited with his remaining trump. Now East ducked the club, forcing his partner to ruff and killing any chance for an endplay.

At the other table, this defense was also found — just another routine tied board.

2012 Tribune Media Services