Hand of the day #151
The Aces On Bridge by Bobby Wolff We saw yesterday that there is rarely any hurr...
The Aces On Bridge by Bobby Wolff
Today’s themed deal comes from a past Asian Pacific Championships.
Opening Lead: ♠Q
West led the spade queen to three no-trump, East taking the ace before returning a spade. Looking at all four hands, it is hard to see how declarer can go down. Both rounded-suit finesses are working; indeed, 12 tricks are available!
However, Australian international Sartaj Hans showed how easy it can be to put a spanner in the works. He returned the spade two at the second trick rather than the normal spade nine. From declarer’s perspective, the two was either from ace-doubleton to begin with, or it was East’s original fourth-highest, in which case spades were 4-4. East would normally return the highest from a remaining doubleton.
In that case, declarer’s best bet was to cash the club ace-king and continue with the club 10. If spades were 4-4, declarer would lose only four tricks. If West began with six spades, East was a favorite to hold club length and with it the club queen, and would not be able to reach his partner’s hand. Alas, Hans won the club queen and produced the spade nine, allowing West to cash out for one down.
This false card could hardly cost, because East knew his partner was broke outside of spades, while it might mislead declarer. But on the normal spade nine return, declarer would probably assume a 5-3 spade split and combine his chances by cashing the club ace-king planning if necessary next to run diamonds and take the heart finesse.
Bid with the Aces
Answer: 3NT
If you are to reach three no-trump, this is probably your last chance. A take-out double might work better, but it would also get you to four hearts in a Moysian fit or five of a minor, and three no-trump may well be preferable to that. Even a single spade stopper may suffice, since you have plenty of quick tricks on the side.