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.Game all; dealer South
North
4K 10 7 3
!J 10 4
#A K 8 7 5 2
2none
West East
4Q 2 4J 9 8 6 4
!A Q 9 7 6 5 !8 3
#6 4 #10
2Q 9 2 2A 8 6 4 3
South
4A 5
!K 2
#Q J 9 3
2K J 10 7 5
Five Diamonds would have been a straightforward affair on this deal, but over-scientific bidding led South straight to Three No-trumps. It looked as though he had nine easy tricks, but he suffered the indignity of watching his dummy being squeezed.
South opened One Club, West overcalled with One Heart, and North doubled negatively. Apparently this was the only way he could suggest a four-card spade suit, but to my mind there seems little wrong with a natural Two Diamonds. With a guard in hearts, South tried One No-trump and, on the strength of his concealed suit, North raised to Three No-trumps.
Instead of leading a heart, which gives declarer an easy nine tricks, West made the inspired choice of 4Q. Declarer won in hand, took six rounds of diamonds and then, judging the opening lead to have been from a short suit, cashed 4K before exiting with a heart to West's queen.
If West had held 2A, this play would have been sufficient, but when West led a club to East's ace, dummy, holding 410,7 and !J,10, was squeezed and the defenders took the rest of the tricks.
The best way to tackle this hand after the spade lead is to enter dummy with a diamond and run !J. Now the ninth trick can be established before the defenders can come to more than two hearts, one spade and one club.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments