Independent Pursuits: Bridge

THE BIG edge that bridge journalists have over other players is that, even if their partners get a hand wrong, it may provide good copy. On this deal, after going down, South asked me (his partner) whether he could have done better. "You did your best," I replied tactfully but ambiguously.

South opened 1NT (15-17 points) and, as North, I raised to game. West led #7 against 3NT, and dummy's king won. Two things were clear - the clubs had to be developed, and it was dangerous for East to gain the lead. So at trick two declarer laid down 2A. He did not mind if West was able to score later with 2K, and, in this way, he catered for East holding 2K alone. No joy - East won the next club lead and his diamond return led to two off.

To be fair, the alternative (and winning) play was not obvious. Suppose declarer plays low from dummy at trick 1 and allows East's #10 to hold... When East returns a diamond, it does not matter whether West wins or ducks - the club finesse, although losing, leads to nine tricks, for East has no more diamonds to play.

Declarer's line of play works if the club finesse is right or the king drops on the first round - the other idea succeeds whenever the club finesse wins or the diamonds divide 6-2. Slightly better odds, I feel.