BRIDGE

BRIDGE

East-West vulnerable, West deals.

NORTH

x3

uQ 10 7 5

vA Q 7 2

wK Q 10 2

WEST EAST

xQ J 9 8 5 xA 7 2

u2 uA J 9 8

vK J 9 8 v6 5 4

wA 7 5 w8 6 4

SOUTH

xK 10 6 4

uK 6 4 3

v10 3

wJ 9 3

The bidding:

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1x Dbl 2x 3u

Pass Pass Dbl All pass

Opening lead: Queen of x

Augustin Madala, originally from Argentina, moved to Italy some years ago. In his early 30s today, he is a member of the top Italian team -- one of the best in the world. Madala was South in today’s deal, played when he was 13 years old!

East won the opening spade lead with the ace and returned the suit. Madala won with his king and discarded a low club from dummy. A low heart went to dummy’s queen and East’s ace. East led a low club to West’s ace as Madala played dummy’s queen, to preserve an entry to his hand. West continued with a low spade.

Madala could have run this around to his 10, but he had a better plan. Madala ruffed in dummy and crossed to his hand with the jack of clubs. A diamond to the queen was followed by the ace of diamonds and a diamond ruff. A club back to dummy’s king left this position:

NORTH

xVoid

u10 7

v7

wVoid

WEST EAST

xJ 9 xVoid

uVoid uJ 9 8

vK vVoid

wVoid wVoid

SOUTH

x10

uK 6

vVoid

wVoid

Madala led dummy’s remaining diamond and discarded his spade when East ruffed. East was forced to lead away from his jack of hearts and Madala had his doubled contract! Well played at any age, but remarkable at 13.

2016 Tribune Content Agency