Today’s South jumped to three spades at his second turn to invite game. He might have settled for two. His distribution was impressive, but the quality of his spade suit suggested caution.
North passed, and West led the king of hearts. Before you read on … would you rather try to make three spades or try to beat it?
East played the deuce of hearts, and West shifted to the ace and four of diamonds. South won and took dummy’s A-K of trumps. He ruffed a heart and led the jack of trumps, but West took his queen and led a club, and East won and gave West a diamond ruff. Down one.
DISCARD
South could have thwarted that defense. After taking dummy’s high trumps, he can lead the queen of hearts and pitch his club. Then East can’t get in, and South loses only a trump to West’s queen.
Did you choose to declare? If West shifts, say, to a club at Trick Two, the defense can force declarer to ruff so many clubs that he loses control. He will have to be careful to go down only one.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S Q 7 5 3 H A K 8 4 D A 4 C 8 7 3. You open one club (holding your nose), and your partner bids two clubs. What do you say?
ANSWER: Don’t panic. Partner must be aware of the possibility that you opened with a “prepared bid” on a three-card suit (because the alternative, to open in a four-card major, was contrary to your system). Partner will have at least four clubs. Pass. If you bid again, you will suggest game and will make things worse.
North dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S A K
H Q 10 6 3
D 8 5 2
C K J 5 4
WEST
S Q 7 5 3
H A K 8 4
D A 4
C 8 7 3
EAST
S 10
H J 9 5 2
D 10 7 6
C A Q 10 9 2
SOUTH
S J 9 8 6 4 2
H 7
D K Q J 9 3
C 6
North East South West
1 C Pass 1 S Pass
1 NT Pass 3 S All Pass
Opening lead — H K
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Source:: The Mercury News – Entertainment
