Players constantly ask me how they can improve their results, score higher and win more often — as if I could effect a transformation by uttering some magic incantation or sprinkling them with pixie dust. Success at bridge is a product of desire, study, practice, perseverance and a bit of natural ability. The game doesn’t admit to instant gratification.
Still, there are useful principles. If I were asked for a single piece of advice to guide declarer at a trump contract, I would answer thus: When the play may be a struggle, set up your side suit promptly.
In today’s deal, West led the king of diamonds against four hearts, and declarer took the ace and proceeded to cash the A-K of trumps. When East discarded a spade, South led the A-K of clubs.
West ruffed, cashed his queen of trumps and led another diamond. South ruffed, lost a club to East and ruffed the diamond return with his last trump. When he conceded the fourth club, the defense cashed a diamond for down two.
South would have made an overtrick on a luckier day, but if the breaks in trumps and clubs are unfavorable, he must be careful. After South wins the first trick, he should lead the A-K of clubs, attacking his side suit. West ruffs and leads another diamond, and declarer ruffs, concedes a club to East and ruffs the next diamond.
South can then (finally) take the A-K of trumps. He ruffs a fourth club with dummy’s last trump, takes the K-A of spades and leads a good club. West’s high trump wins the defenders’ third and last trick.
South dealer
N-S vulnerable
NORTH
S K 9 4
H A 4 2
D 8 7 4 3
C 10 7 3
WEST
S J 7 5 2
H Q J 9 8
D K Q J 5
C 5
EAST
S Q 10 8 3
H 5
D 10 9 6 2
C Q J 9 8
SOUTH
S A 6
H K 10 7 6 3
D A
C A K 6 4 2
South West North East
1 H Pass 2 H Pass
4 C Pass 4 H All Pass
Opening lead — D K
©2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
