IMPROVE YOUR PLAY
with Larry Matheny

 

The game of bridge demands complete concentration.  Doze for a moment and it may be too late.  Here is an example of a defender who should have been alert.

 

Scoring: Matchpoints (Pairs)

#11-14

Dlr

S

Vul

N/S

S

542

H

AQ64

D

J6

C

K976

S

3

H

1082

D

10987532

C

J8

  pad  

S

KQJ976

H

5

D

A4

C

Q543

 

S

A108

H

KJ973

D

KQ

C

A102

West

North

East

South

   

   

  

    1H

  Pass

    3H

     3S

    4H

   Pass      Pass       Pass

 

 

BIDDING:  North’s jump in hearts was a limit raise inviting game.  East overcalled spades and South with extras confidently bid the game.

 

PLAY:  West led his spade and declarer won the ace.  South was worried as he counted four possible losers: two spades, one diamond, and one club.  He decided to try to fool East.  He drew trumps in three rounds ending in dummy.  Next he led the jack of diamonds as if he was going to finesse for the queen.  It worked because East ducked his ace.  Now declarer led his last diamond and East was in trouble.  East cashed his two spade winners but now had to either lead a club or give declarer a ruff/sluff.  He finally led a low club but declarer went with the odds and played for split club honors.  Declarer won West’s jack in dummy and then led a club to his ten and wrapped up his game.

 

Note that East must rise with his ace of diamonds, cash his two spades, and exit with his remaining diamond.  Defense can be difficult. 

 

 

Copyright ©2011 Larry Matheny