Neither vulnerable. South deals.
NORTH
S-5 2
H-K Q 8 6
D-A K Q 9
C-K J 7
WEST EAST
S-Q S-A K J 10 7 4 3
H-9 5 H-4 3
D-10 8 4 2 D-J 6 3
C-A Q 10 9 6 5 C-8
SOUTH
S-9 8 6
H-A J 10 7 2
D-7 5
C-4 3 2
The bidding:
SOUTH WEST NORTH EAST
Pass Pass 1D 3S
Pass Pass Dbl Pass
4H Pass Pass Pass
Opening lead: Queen of S
North’s double of three spades was for takeout and, since it would force partner to bid at the four-level, it showed a pretty strong hand. While South was free to convert to penalties, his bid of four hearts was the normal action. (Incidentally, even at favorable vulnerability we would not consider opening the West hand with three clubs.)
West led the queen of spades. East overtook with the king and shifted to his singleton club. West won with the ace and continued with a club, ruffed by East who reverted to the ace of spades. West committed the cardinal sin of ruffing his partner’s ace and returned another club — down two!
This deal is from a club tournament, and East-West expected a good result — but they were below average! At seven tables West did open three clubs and North’s three notrump ended the action. East led a high spade and, after taking the first seven tricks in spades, shifted to a club. That defeated the contract four tricks!
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