Independent Pursuits: Bridge

THREE NO-TRUMPS had all the appearance of a hopeless contract on this deal, but quick thinking by declarer persuaded each defender in turn to make critical mistakes.

South opened 1NT (12-14 points), and North raised directly to game. West led !2 against 3NT and, even if the defenders had only three heart tricks to come, there were still two missing aces as well. Declarer played low from dummy and, after East had taken his ace, he had his first inspiration. He dropped !Q under the ace! The play so far had marked West with !K, so the heart suit was still guarded.

The play of the queen created the firm impression in East's mind that South had started with !KQ doubleton. Fearing that a continued attack in hearts might prove too slow, East looked for tricks elsewhere and switched to 25. South played his king, which won, but he was still not out of the woods for tricks were needed in both black suits.

Now came South's second good idea - he led 4J from hand. It was West's turn to slip up - assuming, perhaps rather naively, that declarer was planning to take a finesse in spades and that his partner would be able to win with his supposed queen, he played low. With the much-needed spade trick in the bag, declarer switched his attack to clubs and it was all over. The defenders were now restricted to the four top winners with which they had started - it was now too late for them to establish and enjoy their third trick in hearts.

Love all; dealer South

North

4K 5 2

!J 8 3

#A K J 7

24 3 2

West East

4A 6 4 3 410 9 7

!K 10 7 2 !A 9 6 5

#8 4 #9 5 3

29 8 6 2A 7 5

South

4Q J 8

!Q 4

#Q 10 6 2

2K Q J 10