One of the “cool” things about bridge is we can play against world class players no matter our skill level. I don’t know of any other sport where this is possible. Some years ago the world champion Dallas Aces, formed and captained by Ira G. Corn Jr. were barnstorming before the world championships. They played an exhibition match against a very good St. Louis team which included our own Jacque Sincoff. See if you can match Jacque’s skill on the following hand.
The Bidding:
| South | West | North | East |
| 1N | Pass | 2C | Pass |
| 2D | Pass | 3N | Pass |
| Pass | Pass |
Opening Lead: Five of Spades
| NORTH | |
| S | 8 2 |
| H | A K 8 5 |
| D | 7 6 5 3 |
| C | K Q 8 |
| WEST | EAST |
| S K J 6 5 4 | S Q 10 7 |
| H Q 10 9 | H J 7 4 |
| D J 10 9 | D Q 2 |
| C 9 2 | C 10 6 5 4 3 |
| SOUTH | |
| S | A 93 |
| H | 6 3 2 |
| D | A K 9 4 |
| C | A J 7 |
West led their 4th best spade
Declarer ducked two rounds winning the third
Nine tricks are available 1spade, 2 or 3 hearts, 2 or 3 diamonds, 3 clubs
Three tricks in either hearts or diamonds will make the contract
To make three tricks in either suit a trick must be lost in the respective suit without west gaining the lead
Jacque found the winning “line”:
1. She led a heart at trick two when west played the nine she was forced to play the king
2. She led a diamond to the king
3. A club was led to the dummy
4. When a second diamond was led the queen appeared from east
5. Jacque ducked! West could not overtake and east did not have a spade to return to west
6. The club return was won and declarer had her nine tricks (1s,2h,3d,3c) Excellent!!
Tip:
Q. Kenny my partner and I would like to play against some better players. Is there any restrictions as to skill level of the players?
A. I think you mean at the club level. The open games have no restrictions. It is a good idea to play against better players to improve your game. At the clubs the directors are more than happy to introduce you to the higher level games.
by Kenny Bland
