Bridge Deal of the Week (Aug 03 2007)

Problem:

The Auction:
West  North  East  South
1♦       dbl      pass  1NT
pass    3NT    all pass

In the finals of the National Open Swiss, you are the declarer 3NT after West opens 1♦ (the deal has been modified slightly from the original layout). The opening lead is the ♠3, which runs to your eight. Since you don't have many entries to your hand, you run the ♣J, as West has opened the bidding and is likely to possess the card. East surprises you by winning the ♣Q and returning the ♦8. You play low, West takes the trick with the ♦Q and switches to the ♥3.

After the opening lead, you are guaranteed to score at least nine tricks (three spades, one heart, one diamond and four clubs). Though the scoring is IMPs, there are only seven deals in one round, so every IMP becomes important. What are your thoughts on prospects of overtrick(s)?

Hint:
Almost every key card (♦K, ♠Q10, ♥A) is marked with West. This knowledge may assist you in the search for overtricks.

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Bridge Baron deal No: N5309-62107-95581-13072-47612-77561

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Deal Of The Week