Neither vulnerable. South deals.
NORTH
S-Q 7 5 3
H-Q 7 5 3
D-4
C-A 8 7 3
WEST EAST
S-8 4 S-K 9 2
H-Void H-K J 10 6
D-A Q 10 9 8 5 3 D-K J 6 2
C-J 9 6 2 C-10 5
SOUTH
S-A J 10 6
More Top Picks Wood Stove
H-A 9 8 4 2
D-7
C-K Q 4
The bidding:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
1H 2D 3H Pass
4H Pass Pass Dbl
Pass Pass Pass
Opening lead: Six of C
Study the bidding and play of this deal and decide: Who, if anyone, erred in either the bidding or play?
At first glance it might seem that East should have supported diamonds somewhere along the line, but he wanted to do nothing to interfere with his opponents getting to hearts at a level where he could express his doubts about them being able to fulfill their contract. He got his wish!
West led a third-best club, won in the closed hand. West discarded a diamond on the low trump lead and dummy’s seven lost to the ten. Back came another club, won with dummy’s ace and a low trump was returned, East splitting his honors. Declarer won and returned a trump to the king. A low diamond was won by West who returned a club for East to ruff. Down one!
Take a bow if you faulted declarer for not playing a diamond at trick two. We have not yet found a way to defeat the contract then, but would be glad to hear from you if you can!
(Tannah Hirsch welcomes readers’ responses sent in care of this newspaper or to Tribune Media Services Inc., 2010 Westridge Drive, Irving, TX 75038. E-mail responses may be sent to
.)