IMPROVE YOUR PLAY

with Larry Matheny

The aces and kings usually hog the spotlight but in this hand a lowly four won the day.

Scoring:  Matchpoints (Pairs)

#11-36
Dlr	E
Vul	E-W

	KQ42
	10832
	K9
	732

	J85
	Q95
	AQ742
	J5

	10976
	6
	J1063
	KQ98

	A3
	AKJ74
	85
	A1064

West	North	East	South
		Pass	1
Pass	3	Pass	4
Pass	Pass	Pass

BIDDING: North’s 3 bid was a constructive heart raise showing 7-9 points and 4 hearts. South continued on to game.

PLAY: With no attractive lead, West finally chose the jack of clubs and East encouraged with the nine. Declarer saw five possible losers: 1 heart, 2 diamonds, and 2 clubs. One loser could be discarded on the third spade so declarer hoped for a favorable heart break. However, on the second round of hearts, East showed out but erred by discarding a low spade. Declarer next played four rounds of spades discarding two diamonds. The four of spades was his tenth trick.

There is a good defensive rule of keeping the same length as the hand on your right. This hand shows why that is so important.

Copyright ©2011 Larry Matheny