Bridge: March 25, 2024

With COVID-19 not regarded as a deterrent – there was no mask mandate — players flocked to the ACBL Fall Championships in Atlanta in November.

In a match in the Soloway Knockout Teams, the tournament’s major event, Tod Moses of St. Louis found one of the best defensive plays of the week. The North-South bidding was aggressive. South’s jump to four hearts looks hungry to me. Sure enough, North, who had hoped for South to reopen with a double that North could pass for penalty, tried for slam with a four-spade cuebid though his spade honors were unlikely to be of value.

TOO HIGH

When South bid five clubs next, North tried again with five diamonds. South signed off at five hearts, but even that contract proved too high – with Moses as East.

West led the ace of spades, and Moses wondered how the defense would win three tricks, given the strong North-South auction. He found the only chance: He ruffed West’s ace of spades and led a club.

West ruffed, and his ace of trumps won the setting trick. Well done!

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S K Q J 8 7 6 H 6 4 D A K Q C Q 7. Your partner opens one heart, you respond one spade and he bids two clubs. What do you say?

ANSWER: A jump to three spades would be only invitational for most partnerships, and a jump to 3NT would not do your hand justice. Slam is possible; your partner might hold A2,AK872,76,K964. Bid two diamonds, a forcing bid in a new suit (forcing to game in many partnerships). Partner’s next bid may help you find your best contract.

South dealer

Neither side vulnerable

NORTH

S K Q J 8 7 6

H 6 4

D A K Q

C Q 7

WEST

S A 10 9 5 4 2

H A 10 9

D J 10 9 4

C None

EAST

S None

H 3 2

D 8 7 5 3 2

C 10 6 5 4 3 2

SOUTH

S 3

H K Q J 8 7 5

D 6

C A K J 9 8

South West North East
1 H 1 S Pass Pass
4 H Pass 4 S Pass
5 C Pass 5 D Pass
5 H All Pass
Opening lead –- S A

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