Bridge Deal of the Week (Aug 31 2007)

Problem:
The Auction:
West   North   East   South
                                 1♠
3♣       4♣*     pass   4♠
all pass

North's 4♣ was not a cue-bid; it showed a hand with limit raise or better in spades, in case South wanted to explore slam. South had a minimum hand, so 4♠ became the final contract.

West led the ♥Q, covered by the king and ace. East returned the ♥8, ruffed by West, who now plays the ♦8. West is unlikely to have the ♦K based on his preempt, and his ♦8 play, which prompts you to go up with the ace.

West has already ruffed a heart, and you need the remaining spades to divide 2-2. You can play East to hold the Q10x in spades, but if that is the case you cannot ruff a club in dummy without getting overruffed by East. You therefore play a spade to the ace. West does have a singleton spade, but the good news is that the singleton is the queen. Plan the rest of the play.

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Bridge Baron deal No: N4890-99384-59259-09852-96830-59291

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Deal Of The Week