BRIDGE

BRIDGE

East-West vulnerable, West deals

NORTH

xQ 9 4

uQ 8

vQ J 10 7 6

wK 4 3

WEST EAST

xK J 3 x10 8 7 2

u7 3 u9 5 4 2

vK 5 vA 8 3 2

wA J 8 7 6 2 w5

SOUTH

xA 6 5

uA K J 10 6

v9 4

wQ 10 9

The bidding:

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

2w- Pass Pass 2u

All pass

-Precision System, 11-15 points, at least five clubs

Opening lead: Ace of w

North might well have bid two no trump over his partner’s two heart bid, leading to a three no trump contract that would have been impossible to defeat. South, however, might have bid two hearts on much less than he had, and North was ”giving him room”. As for prospects in a heart contract, it seemed that North-South had stopped safely at the two level.

West led an inspired ace of clubs and continued with the two of clubs. The two of clubs was a ”suit-preference signal” for the lower ranking of the remaining side suits. Should East be able to ruff the second club, West wanted a diamond shift. East did ruff the second club and, respecting his partner’s signal, shifted to a low diamond away from his ace. West won with his king and reverted to clubs, this time leading the jack as a preference for spades. East ruffed again and shifted to the eight of spades. Declarer had nothing to do but duck this to West’s king. The defense now had five tricks in the bag and the ace of diamonds still to come. The ”safe” contract had been defeated by excellent defense.

Looking at the alternative North-South contract of three no trump, West would have to lead an unlikely spade honor for the defense to have a chance. He would then have to continue with his other spade honor after winning the king of diamonds. Declarer could still succeed, however, by ignoring diamonds and finessing West for the jack of clubs.

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