BRIDGE

BRIDGE

East-West vulnerable, South deals

NORTH

xK Q 10 8 5

u8 6

vK 2

wQ 7 5 2

WEST EAST

x3 x7 6 4

uK Q J 9 u10 7 5 3 2

vQ 10 8 5 vJ 9 7 4

wJ 9 8 3 w6

SOUTH

xA J 9 2

uA 4

vA 6 3

wA K 10 4

The bidding:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

2NT Pass 3u- Pass

4x Pass 5v Pass

6x All pass

-Transfer to spades

Opening lead: King of u

South’s jump to four spades showed spade support and a maximum hand. North was interested in bigger things, but there was no convenient slam try available. His two low hearts made Blackwood a poor idea, so he did the best he could by cue bidding his diamond control. South didn’t need to be asked twice.

South won the opening heart lead with his ace. He saw that 12 tricks would be easy if the clubs behaved for four tricks, but no good declarer would take that for granted. South showed very good technique in the play of this deal. He drew trumps in three rounds and then eliminated the diamonds by cashing the king and ace before ruffing a diamond in the dummy. He led a club to his ace and exited with his remaining heart.

Nothing would matter if the clubs split 3-2 -- the percentage split. Declarer’s line of play assured the contract against a 4-1 split in clubs. Should West win this heart trick, he would have a choice between leading a club away from his jack or yielding a ruff-sluff. East winning the heart would be no better. South would let a club lead from East run to dummy’s queen. Should West show out on this club, it would be a simple matter to play a club back to the 10.

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