Bridge Deal of the Week (Nov 17 2006)

Problem:

West   North   East   South
                                 1NT
pass     2♣      pass    2♥
pass    2NT     pass    3NT
all pass

Playing a pair event, you open a 15-17 1NT. Partner bids Stayman and invites you to game. It is not automatic to accept the invitation, as you don't have a clear-cut maximum, and your hand lacks intermediate cards. Nevertheless, you decide to take the aggressive route and proceed to game.

The lead is a fourth best ♠3. Dummy has the deuce, so West has a maximum of four spades. You call for a low card, East wins the Ace after some consideration. East goes into the tank once more, and returns a low club. It is important for defenders to give honest information to each other, so East's play of low club strongly suggests the possession of the Queen. You stick in the Jack, which wins. You are now assured of 9 tricks in the form of 1 spade, 3 hearts (after forcing out the Ace), 2 diamonds and 3 clubs. Playing pairs, your task is to try to score an overtrick. You continue with a heart to the King, East wins the Ace and plays the ♠J. Any thoughts on the tenth trick?

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Bridge Baron deal No: N0806-85383-38185-53493-15525-71242

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Deal Of The Week