bridge
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.South made heavy weather of 1 NT on this deal. Instead of trying an obscure end-play, he had a simple and practical route to success which was at least odds-on.
Playing a 12-14 point weak No-trump, North opened 12. East bid 14, South passed and West (who might easily have bid 1NT) passed too. As the partnership were playing negative doubles and his partner might have held a fair hand with length in spades, North felt compelled to re-open with a double.
After a pass by East, South considered passing the double himself but settled for 1NT to end the auction. West led 4J and, with easy tricks in spades given by the lead, declarer played low from dummy. It would have been all over if East had taken his king, but he let South's queen win!
Declarer tried hard, ducking this and ducking that, but the defenders soon switched to hearts, driving out his entry to a possible long diamond, and when nothing developed, he ended with just six tricks.
Declarer should win the opening lead with dummy's ace and play a second spade, finessing the eight when East plays low. This will bring in the contract unless West started with precisely 4J,9.
Game all; dealer South
North
4A 4
!8 7 6 3
#A 7 4
2A K 5 3
West East
4J 3 4K 9 7 6 5
!K J 10 5 !Q 4
#Q 10 5 #K J 9
2Q 10 7 6 2J 8 2
South
4Q 10 8 2
!A 9 2
#8 6 3 2
29 4
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments