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.What could be interesting about a hand where there are 13 top winners in a no-trump contract? You will have to read on to find out.
My partner and I were given the hand first as a bidding problem. South opened One Club (strong) and as North I responded One No-trump. No, not a misprint, but showing at least five spades and at least eight points (well, nearly). Three Hearts by South showed a solid suit and I was now able to show the king and queen of diamonds but little else, after which partner plunged to Seven No-trumps.
I was told that the lead was the eight of clubs (remember, I was declarer as North) and, after scorning the finesse and testing spades unsuccessfully, I played hearts from the top. Easy!
In real life, it had been South who was declarer in Seven No-trumps and West had led 2J, giving declarer 12 top tricks. The spade break was unfortunate and, placing too much reliance on the possibility of a poor heart division, declarer elected to run !9. Oh dear!
Now, hold on a moment. If East holds five or more hearts as feared, then cashing four hearts, three spades and three diamonds produces a double squeeze. West has to keep 4J, East must retain his supposed heart guard, and suddenly the two of clubs may well become the 13th trick.
Game all; dealer South
North
4Q 9 8 7 5 3 2
!9
#K Q 2
26 3
West East
4J 10 6 4 4none
!10 3 !7 6 5 2
#J 9 7 #10 8 5 4 3
2J 10 9 7 2K 8 5 4
South
4A K
!A K Q J 8 4
#A 6
2A Q 2
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments