19 hours Ago
Today’s deal is from a World Championship team event some years ago. It was a two-team match, but all teams in the event were playing the same deals. West was Renee Secrete, from London, where a one no trump opening usually shows 12-14 points.
She chose to lead the king of spades. The sight of dummy gave her much to think about. Partner could have at most three spades for his one no trump response.
South, therefore, had a six-card spade suit. Why had South passed as dealer instead of opening a weak two-bid? Obviously South had a very poor suit, but still, he chose to bid at the two level. He must have something.
Secrete decided that the likely reason for South’s initial pass was that he had too much defence, outside of his spade suit, for a weak two-bid. It was quite likely, reasoned Secrete, that South held both missing aces. Secrete found the inspired shift to the eight of diamonds at trick two.
East won with the king and shifted to a heart, and there was nothing declarer could do to avoid losing a heart ruff later in the play. Down one after a lovely defence. We are told that no other declarer in this event, who was playing in a spade contract, was held to eight tricks.
Published - April 03, 2025 09:01 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit The Hindu Sunday Magazine / cards / Goren Bridge / leisure (general) / lifestyle and leisure.
