Games: 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
45
!A J 10 9 8 5
#10 7 2
28 7 6
West East
4Q 9 8 6 2 4J 4 3
!3 !Q 6 4 2
#9 8 6 4 #3
2K Q 9 2A J 10 3 2
South
4A K 10 7
!K 7
#A K Q J 5
25 4
After a few tricks had been played on this deal, it looked very much as though South's heart game would be defeated by a diamond ruff. He took his best chance and was suitably gratified when, in turn, the defenders missed their way.
With an awkward hand to bid, South decided to open Two No-trumps. North responded Three Diamonds - a transfer - and raised South's dutiful Three Hearts to game. West led 2K against Four Hearts and East was on track when he overtook with 2A and switched to his singleton diamond.
South won, cashed !K, and led another trump. It was not good news when West showed out, for declarer could read #3 as a singleton and a ruff was imminent if he persisted with trumps.
Instead, he cashed his two top spades, throwing a club from dummy, and continued with 47. West covered complacently with his eight but dummy's last club went away and it was East who won the trick with 4J. Now West could not get in and, leaving diamonds strictly alone, declarer was able to shift the remaining trumps.
West would have done better to go in with 4Q on the third round of spades (establishing a trick for 410, but this does not help declarer). Furthermore, on the second top spade, East could have made it impossible for his partner to go wrong, by dropping his useless jack.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments