An optimist is someone who believes that what will be, will be…postponed. As a declarer, you have eight minutes to succeed or fail; you cannot postpone the play indefinitely.
It seems today’s declarer was an optimist. He won the first spade in dummy and immediately led a club to his king. When West showed the next club, South won only one club trick and only eight tricks in total.
Söder would have scored an overtrick with luck. However, since he only needs two clubs to make 3NT, he should play it safe in the event of a 4-1 break.
THE SECOND CLUB
South wins the first spade in his hand and leads a club to dummy’s queen. If the queen held, South would lead a second club to his king, winning two clubs whatever the suit.
When instead East takes the ace and gives a spade, South wins in dummy and leads a second club. If the East followed with the seven, the South would secure success by playing the eight. If East folded, South would play the king and later lead to dummy’s ten.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: SQ 5 2 HA 7 4 DA 5 2 CQ 10 3 2. The dealer, to your left, opens a spade. Your partner doubles and the next player passes. What are you saying?
ANSWER: Partner has opening values or more, probably supporting all unbid suits. With 12 points you have to bet on the game. Bid 3NT. Your spade stopper is tight, but since the opening bidder will have most of the missing high cards, perhaps including the AK of spades, the game becomes easier.
Southern Dealer
NS vulnerable
NORTH
SQ 5 2
HAVE 7 4
DA 5 2
CQ 10 3 2
WEST
S 10 9 8 6
HJ 9 8 5
DJ 9 7 6
C6
EAST
S 7 4 3
HQ 10 3
DQ 10 8
CAJ 9 7
SOUTH
THING
HK 6 2
DK 4 3
CK 8 5 4
Southwest Northeast
1 NT Pass 3 NT All Pass
Opening line — S 10
©2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.