Cy the Cynic defines an honest person as someone who hasnaEUR(TM)t been caught yet. TodayaEUR(TM)s declarer got away with some serious dishonesty.
Against SouthaEUR(TM)s 3NT, West led the ten of hearts, won by dummyaEUR(TM)s jack. South had eight tricks aEUR” no more, no fewer. If he attacked the spades, he would never win a spade trick with correct defense.
ItaEUR(TM)s a principle of play for declarer to establish his best suit. But at the second trick, declarer led a diamond and played his ten when East followed low.
SHIFT
West won with the jack but assumed South was in the process of setting up a long suit. If South held J 5 4, A Q 5, A Q 10 7 2, K 8, he would have nine tricks aEUR” three hearts, three diamonds and three clubs aEUR” unless the defense took five first. So at Trick Three, West shifted to the deuce of spades.
Dummy played low. Even if East took the ace and shifted back to diamonds, South would make 3NT. As it was, East played the ten of spades, and South took his jack and claimed seven more tricks.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S K 9 2 H 10 9 8 7 D K J 5 C 9 6 4. The dealer, at your left, opens one club. Your partner doubles, you respond one heart and he bids one spade. The opponents pass. What do you say?
ANSWER: Partner doubled before bidding his long suit, hence his hand is much stronger than a minimum. If he held a hand such as A Q 8 5 3, K 6 5, A 10 6, 7 3, he would have overcalled one spade at his first turn. Since you have seven useful points, game is possible. Raise to two spades.
South dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S Q 6 3
H K J 4
D 8 6 3
C A Q 10 2
WEST
S K 9 2
H 10 9 8 7
D K J 5
C 9 6 4
EAST
S A 10 8 7
H 6 3 2
D Q 9 7 4
C 7 5
SOUTH
S J 5 4
H A Q 5
D A 10 2
C K J 8 3
South West North East
1 NT Pass 3 NT All pass
Opening lead aEUR” H 10
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