BRIDGE

BRIDGE

Both vulnerable. South deals.

NORTH

xK J 10 9

uK 7 6

v10 9 8 7

w3 2

WEST EAST

x8 4 3 2 xA 7 6 5

u10 8 5 uQ 9 4 3 2

v3 2 v4

wK Q 10 9 w6 5 4

SOUTH

xQ

uA J

vA K Q J 6 5

wA J 8 7

The bidding:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1v Pass 1x Pass

3w Pass 3v Pass

3u Pass 4u Pass

6v Pass Pass Pass

Opening lead: King of w

North bid well to help his side get to six diamonds — a contract that could be claimed on any lead other than a club. Note North’s cue-bid of the king of hearts, the one piece of information that was all South needed to contract for slam.

Without a club lead, declarer can claim 12 tricks. He wins any lead, draws trumps and forces out the ace of spades to take three club discards on dummy’s spades. Given a club lead, declarer must take immediate steps to take care of his club loser.

Correct technique is to win the ace of clubs and play a trump to the ten. Declarer then finesses for the queen of hearts by leading a heart to the knave. When that wins, cash the ace of hearts, cross to the table with a trump and ditch your queen of spades on the king of hearts. Declarer then concedes a club and will have no trouble ruffing his last two clubs on the table. Isn’t bridge an easy game?

2013 Tribune Media Services