Playing at the local duplicate, the North players had a ‘book’ bid to four ♠s. Playing in three No Trump was a much simpler contract. Be that as it may, see if you can bring home four ♠s.
« The bidding:
S
1 ♠
Pass
W
Pass
Pass
N
1 ♣
4 ♠
E
Pass
Pass
Note: North had a book raise to four ♠s with 19 points and four trumps.
« Opening lead: ♣3
North
♠ A K Q 7
♥ A J 10
♦ 9 7 3
♣ A J 2
West
♠ J 10 3
♥ 8 7 6 5
♦ J 10 6
♣ 9 8 3
East
♠ 6 2
♥ K Q 3
♦ K Q 8 5
♣ 10 7 6 4
South
♠ 9 8 5 4
♥ 9 4 2
♦ A 4 2
♣ K Q 5
the play
1. West led the ♣ 3, Dummy the 2, East the 10, and Declarer the King.
2. South counted tricks: four ♠s, one ♥, one ♦, and three ♣s. A tenth trick had to come from the ♥ suit. Ten tricks are available if the ♥ honors split. Could it be made if not?
3. Trumps were drawn in three rounds.
4. Declarer eliminated ♣s, ending in Dummy.
5. The ♦ 3 was played, and when East split their honors, Declarer ducked.
6. East played the Queen of ♦s in a desperate attempt to avoid the eventual end-play.
7. Declarer won their Ace and continued ♦s.
8. West won the Jack of ♦s and played a ♥.
9. Declarer played the ♥ 10 and East won their Queen.
10. East was end-played. A ♥ away from the King would give Declarer 10 tricks. Another ♦ would present Declarer with a sluff/ruff and also 10 tricks.
Note: Well played. North/South would have played 3 No Trump if they knew both hands were 4/3/3/3.
tip of the day
Q| When do we play no trump and when do we play suits?
A| Distribution usually dictates whether we play no trump or suits. As responder, with 4/3/3/3 distribution, we try to play no trump. With a ruffing value, play in a suit.