Games: Bridge

A "frozen suit" is one that neither side can lead without conceding an extra trick (such as North: Q,3,2; East: A,10,9; South: J,5,4, and West K,8,7,6) is not new. The concept is not new, but the name is.

West opened 1NT (12-14 points), North doubled (ugh!) and East redoubled. This would not have been a success but South, not unnaturally, bid 24. West passed, expecting action from his partner, but East, instead of trying 32 rather wetly passed.

West led 2K against 24 and, with only seven top winners, South needed a trick in a red suit, which looked unpromising. However, there was scope for an end-play. After winning with 2A, declarer ruffed a club in hand, crossed to 4A and ruffed another club. Then he drew the last trump and led a diamond to the nine and jack.

East was end-played. A club would concede a ruff and discard, a diamond lead would clearly cost, so he was reduced to tackling hearts; perhaps West had !A,J,10.

No joy, for after West had taken his ace, both red suits were frozen and West was on lead. he tried !J (perhaps East had the ten as well) but to no avail.

Love all; dealer West

North

4A 5 4 3

!Q 7 6

#K 9 3

2A 10 2

West East

4Q 10 42

!A J 5 !K 9 4 3

#Q 8 5 2 #A J 7

2K Q 9 8 2J 6 5 4 3

South

4K J 9 8 7 6

!10 8 2

#10 6 4

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