For bridge players, the summary of their life is a “thought biography.” We must have done this or that, but for some unknown reason we didn't.
In today's 3NT, South took the Ace of Clubs and led a diamond, starting with dummy's long suit. West played low, won the subsequent diamond and continued the clubs.
The declarer won and needed two dummy entries: one to line up the diamonds and one to return to pay out the winners. He tried to maneuver the 4 of hearts to the jack, but East took the queen and played a spade. Since South couldn't bring the diamonds, he only took eight tricks: two spades, two hearts, one diamond and three clubs.
NINE TRICKS
To reach no less than 3NT, South leads the ten of hearts at Trick Five. If West had the queen and was protected, South would have nine tricks; If West played low, South would let the ten ride along. If East had the queen and won, the dummy's ace and jack would function tickets, allowing South to make use of the diamonds.
We all have “I should” moments. Nobody has ever played an ideal session. The goal is to learn out of your mistakes.
DAILY QUESTION
You hold: SJ 9 H 8 5 2 DAK 3 CJ 10 9 8 3. Your partner opens a spade, you respond with 1NT, he offers two hearts and you come back to 2 spades. Next, partner offers three clubs. What do you say?
ANSWER: Partner tried to play despite your weak preference and your hand is the utmost. A club contract – even six clubs – is likely to be best, but because you have got a lot strength in diamonds versus your partner's shortness, you bid 3NT. This is maybe best if his hand is KQ1083,AK103,2,A54.
Northern Trader
NS vulnerable
NORTH
S7 2
HAJ 3
DQJ 10 8 6 2
C72
WEST
SJ9
H8 5 2
DAK 3
CJ 10 9 8 3
EAST
Square meters 10 8 6 4
Headquarters 9 7 6
D7 4
C54
SOUTH
5 SAK 3
HK 10 4
D9 5
CAKQ 6
Northeast Southwest
2 D Pass 3 NT All Pass
Opening Lead – CJ
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