North-South vulnerable. West deals.
NORTH
S-A J 9 3
H-6 4 2
D-J 4
More Top Picks Silent Migraine Symptoms Migraine Without Headache
C-Q 4 3 2
WEST EAST
S-Q 10 8 7 5 4 S-K
H-10 3 H-J 7
D-K 9 6 D-A Q 10 7 5 2
C-6 5 C-K J 9 8
SOUTH
S-6 2
H-A K Q 9 8 5
D-8 3
C-A 10 7
The bidding:
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
2S Pass Pass Dbl
Pass 2NT 3D 3H
Pass 4H Pass Pass
Pass
Opening lead: Six of D
Some hands are of interest because of some dramatic play that determines the outcome. But some quiet hands are notable for the beauty of their concept. Follow the play on this deal from a major French tournament.
West held as little as the law allows, perhaps less, for an opening weak two-bid. To make sure partner did not think he was merely competing, South reopened with a double and, when he then freely introduced his heart suit, four hearts became the contract.
West led the six of diamonds to partner’s ace and won the return with the king. The switch was the six of clubs, and declarer played the hand with supreme technique. After playing low from dummy and capturing the jack of clubs with the ace, declarer drew trumps in two rounds and then led a spade to the ace, fetching the king. Now a low club lead toward the ten putting East on the spot. If he rose with the king, declarer would eventually discard a spade from hand on the queen of clubs, so East followed with the eight. Declarer won with the ten and reverted to spades, and no matter how West proceeded after winning with the queen, dummy’s jack would provide a parking place for South’s losing club.
What if West started with both high spade honors? After winning the queen of spades, West would be endplayed — dummy’s six of trumps is an entry to the table. Try it!
(Tannah Hirsch welcomes readers’ responses sent in care of this newspaper or to Tribune Media Services Inc., 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, NY. 14207. E-mail responses may be sent to
More Top Picks Best Reading Glasses Under 50
.)