BRIDGE

East muttered (politely, of course) about his partner's defence on this deal from match-play. It was one of the rarities of modern times - the bidding and early play were the same at both tables! South opened One Club and West overcalled with a rather healthy weak Two Hearts. North doubled negatively and South jumped to Four Spades. West might have fought on with Five Diamonds but decided to take his chances in defence and, after everyone had passed, led the King of hearts. Declarer won and cashed the ace of trumps to find the bad news. He continued with a heart and, after winning, West decided to give his partner a ruff. This did not please East who reluctantly trumped and switched to a diamond. Now South had no problem, he won, took a losing club finesse and, after ruffing the next diamond lead, was able to draw trumps and claim.

At the other table West, playing his partner for trump length, switched to a diamond when he was in with the queen of hearts (on which East threw a club). Was this good enough? Not quite, but South had to work harder. He won with the ace and played the ace and another club. West won and forced with a diamond but South ruffed high and led a third heart himself.

East now had a choice. If he ruffed, South could trump a diamond high and draw trumps; if he discarded, declarer would still ruff a diamond and make, in all, two hearts, two minor suit aces, and six trump tricks. !

Game all: dealer South

North

] Q J 10 4

_ J 5 3

+ A 7 4

[ J 8 2

West East

] none ] 9 8 6 3 2

_ K Q 10 9 8 7 _ 2

+ J 8 5 3 2 + K Q 10 9

[ K 4 [ 7 6 5

South

] A K 7 5

_ A 6 4

+ 6

[ A Q 10 9 3