BRIDGE

BRIDGE

Both vulnerable, South deals

NORTH

x8 6 2

u9 2

vA Q J 5

w8 7 4 2

WEST EAST

xA K Q 10 7 xJ 5 4

uJ 7 6 3 u8 4

v10 2 v9 7 6 3

wQ 10 wJ 9 6 3

SOUTH

x9 3

uA K Q 10 5

vK 8 4

wA K 5

The bidding:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1u 1x Dbl- Pass

2x Pass 3u Pass

4u All pass

-Negative, values with no clear bid

Opening lead: Ace of x

This was an awkward auction, but North-South ended up in their best spot. South’s cue bid of two spades showed game-forcing values and asked for a spade stopper. North didn’t have one, and with no five-card suit, he showed his tolerance for opener’s suit. Reasonable choices all around.

The defense started with three rounds of spades. South ruffed the third spade and took stock. He had an easy overtrick should the jack of trumps fall doubleton or tripleton. Even if the jack didn’t fall, he might be able to discard a club on the long diamond before an opponent could ruff. There was a danger, however. Should West hold four hearts to the jack and a doubleton diamond, he could ruff the third diamond and leave South with an inescapable club loser.

There was a simple safety play to cater to this -- just lead the 10 of trumps right now! Dummy’s nine of hearts could handle another spade lead and declarer could draw the outstanding trumps later. South did even better, preserving the chance for an overtrick. He crossed to dummy with the jack of diamonds and led a heart to his 10. This would give an overtrick should East hold the jack of hearts. West won with the jack, of course, but he could do no damage and South made his contract. Well done!

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