At the Fall Nationals, the prestigious Baze Knockout Championship was won by the Rose Meltzer Team. Ron Smith, former St. Louisan and good friend, was a member of the winning team. He and his partner were instrumental in the exciting come-from-behind victory. Ron was the declarer in a six-club contract in the definitive third quarter of the event. Cover the East/West hands and see if you can match his skill in bringing home the contract.
Both: Vul
Dealer: South (Smith)
the bidding
S
Pass
4 C*
4 NT*
Pass
W
2♥
Pass
Pass
Pass
N
3 NT*
4 D*
6 C*
E
Pass
Pass
Pass
*3 NT is either a big balanced hand or running suit (likely minor)
*4 C is asking ‘What kind of hand?’ *4 D is telling ‘I have a trick-taking hand.’
*4 NT is good hand, almost an opener. *6 C is saying ‘Should have good play for slam.’
« Opening lead: 8 ♣
« Cover the East/West hands and see if you can make the contract.
NORTH
♠ 3
♥ A 5 2
♦ K 2
♣ A K Q J 7 3 2
WEST
♠ J 8
♥ K J 9 8 6 3
♦ 10 9 7
♣ 8 6
EAST
♠ Q 10 9 6 5 4
♥ 10 4
♦ A J 6 5
♣ 9
SOUTH
♠ A K 7 2
♥ Q 7
♦ Q 8 4 3
♣ 10 5 4
the play
1. West led the ♣ 8, Ace from dummy, East the 9, and South the 4.
2. Smith played the ♣ King, East the ♠ 6, ♣ 5 from South, and 6 from West.
3. Declarer had seven ♣ tricks,two ♠ tricks,and one ♥ trick.(10 tricks)
4. Smith had already decided on the winning line: Leading the ♦ 2 away from the King!
5. East was left with Hobson’s choice. If East went up with Ace, Smith would have 12 tricks. East ducked the Ace.
6. Smith played the ♦ Queen.
7. Smith played the AK of ♠s, discarding the ♦ King.
8. The ♥ 7 was led to the Ace.
9. The ♥ 2 to the Queen and West’s King.
10. The ♥ Jack was trumped with the ♣ 10.
11. 12 Tricks. Contract bid and made.
Note: Smith’s play of the ♦ suit is known as the Morton’s Fork Coup.
tip of the day
Q| what is the Morton’s Fork Coup?
A| It’s a maneuver by which declarer presents defender a choice of taking a trick cheaply or ducking that trick. Either play would cost the defense a trick.
[Do you have a good bridge tip? Email kennethmbland@yahoo.com.]
