IMPROVE YOUR PLAY
with Larry Matheny

 

A good defender pays close attention to his partner’s cards and takes advantage of their message.  Take a look at a simple yet elegant defense.

 

Scoring: Matchpoints (Pairs)

Hand#21

Dlr

N

Vul

N/S

S

87

H

AK5

D

84

C

AKQJ83

S

K104

H

Q9632

D

AK52

C

7

  pad  

S

53

H

J107

D

Q973

C

10654

 

S

AQJ962

H

84

D

J106

C

92

West

North

East

South

    

    1C

    Pass

    1S

   DBL

    3C

   Pass

    3S

   Pass

    4S

   Pass

   Pass

   Pass

 

BIDDING:  West made a takeout double showing the red suits but nothing could stop North-South from reaching game.

 

PLAY:  West led the ace of diamonds and was pleased to see his partner contribute the encouraging nine.  West next led his singleton club.  Declarer won this in dummy and saw what was about to happen, but could do no more than play ace and another trump.  West won the king and led a low diamond to East’s queen.  The club return was ruffed by West defeating the contract.

 

This hand was played in a local game and several North-South pairs were successful in this contract.  Defense is difficult but as this hand illustrates, good communications with your partner is essential.

 

Copyright ©2010 Larry Matheny