Old friends — people with whom I once played — often send me deals. Today’s deal, from the 2012 Life Master Pairs, features a thoughtful piece of dummy play by Jim Foster of Birmingham, Ala.
West led a spade against 3NT. Foster couldn’t afford to duck East’s ten since a club shift might be devastating. He took the ace and had to pick up the hearts, win a diamond finesse and maneuver an end play.
A heart finesse against West was attractive; after East’s preempt, “nine never” was no longer valid. But Foster first led the queen of diamonds: king, ace. When he returned a diamond to his jack, East discarded.
NINTH TRICK
Foster thought East was unlikely to have two singletons; declarer led a heart to the king and another heart. When East’s queen came up, Foster won and exited with a diamond. West had to concede the ninth trick to the king of clubs.
I must admit it wouldn’t have occurred to me to bid 3NT as South. But if your dummy play is that sharp, you can afford bold bids.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: S 7 3 H K 10 9 5 4 D A 7 5 2 C J 4. Your partner opens one diamond, you respond one heart, he bids one spade and you return to two diamonds. Partner then bids three diamonds. What do you say?
ANSWER: This case is close — 11 tricks may be out of reach — but your hand is stronger than it might have been. You have four-card trump support and two ruffing values, and your king of hearts may be a winner. Bid four or five diamonds. Partner may hold A K 5 2, A 2, K Q 10 8 3, 7 3.
North dealer
Both sides vulnerable
NORTH
S 7 3
H K 10 9 5 4
D A 7 5 2
C J 4
WEST
S 6
H 7 6
D K 10 9 8
C A Q 9 6 5 2
EAST
S K Q J 10 8 4 2
H Q 3
D 4
C 10 7 3
SOUTH
S A 9 5
H A J 8 2
D Q J 6 3
C K 8
North East South West
Pass 3 S 3 NT All Pass
Opening lead — S 6
