BRIDGE

BRIDGE

Both vulnerable, South deals

NORTH

xJ 8 6

u9 7 6 4

vJ 8 2

w8 7 2

WEST EAST

x10 9 7 5 xA K 4 3

uA 3 uK Q J 2

v5 3 v7 6

wA K 10 5 4 wJ 9 6

SOUTH

xQ 2

u10 8 5

vA K Q 10 9 4

wQ 3

The bidding:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1NT Pass Pass Dbl

Pass Pass Redbl Pass

Pass Pass

Opening lead: ?

The bidding could use some explaining. Today’s deal was actually played some years ago, and all of the players at the table were pretty good players, if not experts. The stakes were moderately high. South decided to show off his impressive imagination by opening one no trump. This promised 15-17 points, but this was close enough for South. East’s double was ”protective,” he said, whatever that means. West was pleased to leave it in for penalties, and North made what he thought was an ”SOS” redouble, asking partner to run out to a suit. South, still admiring his opening bid, thought that the redouble was for business and he passed.

East-West can take the first 11 tricks, which would be a penalty of 2800 points -- enough to keep them in steak and lobster for at least two weeks. Something terrible happened on the way to the restaurant. West led the five of clubs, ”fourth from his longest and strongest”. South was too excited to speak when his queen of clubs took the first trick. He just showed the opponents his six diamond tricks and claimed his redoubled contract. Instead of losing 2800 points, he won 760 points and the rubber. ”Waiter,” shouted South. ”Can I order something to eat, please?” East and West had lost their appetites.

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