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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2010


BRIDGE BOTH SIDES VULNERABLE


NORTH ♠ 9 ♥ A K 7 5 2 ♦ K J 10 ♣ K 8 7 4


WEST (D) ♠ K 10 4 ♥ Q 4 ♦ 5 3 ♣ A Q J 9 5 2


SOUTH ♠ A Q J 7 6 5 ♥ 6 3 ♦ A Q 4 ♣ 10 3


The bidding: WEST


1 ♣ Pass


U


NORTH EAST 1 ♥ Pass 1 NT


Pass


All Pass Opening Lead — ♣ A


nlucky Louie was nominated for my club’s


Player of the Year award, which should give you an idea of what sort of year it’s been. (I fear that the stan- dard of play among all play- ers — not just those at my club — is in decline.) Louie responded by scal-


ing new heights of futility. When he was today’s declar- er, West led the ace and queen of clubs against four spades. East ruffed dummy’s king and led the jack of hearts. Louie won and led the


nine of trumps to ... his queen. West took the king and led a low club, and when East ruffed with the eight of trumps, Louie had to over- ruff with the jack. West’s ten scored for down one. Louie is now in contention


for the Worst-Played Contract award. West’s opening bid marked him with the king of trumps, so Louie had no business finessing. He must lead a trump to his ace. On a good day, Louie might


even pick off a singleton king, but when West follows low, Louie continues with the jack of trumps, assuring his contract. DAILY QUESTION You hold: ♠ 9 ♥ A K 7 5 2 ♦ K J 10 ♣ K 8 7 4 You open one heart, your


partner responds 1NT, you bid two clubs and he tries two spades. What do you say?


ANSWER: What’s partner


doing? He can’t have a spade suit. His bid logi- cally shows club support with spade values. Your second bid improved his hand; it became too promising for a raise to three clubs. Bid three diamonds, suggesting 1-5-3-4 pattern. Partner may hold A 7 6, 8 3, Q 7, Q 10 9 6 5 3.


— F rank Stewart © 2010, TRIBUNE MEDIA SYNDICATE


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