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The Aces On Bridge by Bobby Wolff
Opening Lead: ♠3
Less than sparkling defense allowed declarer's game to roll home in today's deal.
When North heard his partner open one no-trump, he transferred into hearts, then rebid two no-trump. South was certainly accepting the game-try with his super-maximum – but in which strain? True, he held three-card heart support, but his hearts could not have been weaker. Accordingly, he elected to bid the no-trump game.
West led the spade three to the 10, four and a deceptive queen from declarer, who led a diamond to the 10 and continued with the heart queen. West took his king and confidently played a second round of spades. Dummy’s jack held, and declarer drove out the heart ace for 10 tricks.
Where did the defense go wrong? When East did not have the wherewithal to cover dummy’s card at trick one, he should have followed with the nine — top of a doubleton to give count to his partner. West would read this as such and not as a “come-on” signal, since East could not beat dummy’s relatively insignificant spot-card. Knowing that his partner had at most two spades confirms that declarer must have at least three; therefore, a spade continuation could only help declarer.
After a club switch by West and a club continuation, declarer must duck two rounds. But now if East has remained on lead, a spade through declarer sets up a defensive trick in that suit before South can knock out West’s second heart honor. The defenders reach five tricks before declarer can take nine.
Bid with the aces
Answer: 1NT
The simplest route to get into the auction is to bid one no-trump, showing a good strong no-trump. You could double if you want to play safe, but the easiest way to get your values across is the direct overcall. These days, as responses to opening bids get lighter and lighter, your side might easily be cold for game.
This Hand of the Day was originally published on aces.bridgeblogging.com.
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