Both vulnerable. South deals.

Both vulnerable. South deals.

NORTH

xA 6 3

u10 6

vQ J 8 7 6 3

wA Q

WEST EAST

xK Q 7 4 xJ 10 2

uK 9 4 2 uQ 7 5 3

vA 2 v5

w10 7 4 w8 6 5 3 2

SOUTH

x9 8 5

uA J 8

vK 10 9 4

wK J 9

The bidding:

SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST

1v Pass 2v Pass

2NT Pass 3NT Pass

Pass Pass

Opening lead: Four of x

Good defense is difficult, but it can be learned. Consider this deal from a pairs tournament.

In the modern style, North’s diamond raise was inverted and forcing, showing a four-card plus fit for opener’s minor suit and at least 10 points. In more standard methods, three no trump would have been reached after a forcing jump response of three diamonds.

West led his fourth-best spade, declarer played low from the table and East’s 10 won. East paused to take stock. Since the deuce and trey of spades were visible, West was marked with only four spades. Declarer would surely have won the first trick if he held either the queen or king of spades, so West held both honors. Unless West held a diamond trick into the bargain, declarer could certainly make nine tricks, via a successful club finesse if possible. However, three spades and a diamond were only enough for book, and the setting trick had to be developed in a hurry. Hearts was the only suit to offer any chance, so at trick two East shifted to a low heart!

Declarer had no chance. If he played low from hand, West would win with the king and revert to spades, and the defense would take three spade tricks and a trick in each red suit. If he rose with the ace, the defenders would take three hearts, a spade and a diamond. Down one, either way.

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