Bridge
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A holding of J,10,x,x facing A,x does not look promising for more than one trick (unless the king and queen come down in three rounds) but in a suit contract an extra trick can sometimes be developed by force.
Playing five-card majors, South opened One Heart and, stretching somewhat, North raised to Three. South went on to game and West led 4Q against Four Hearts. South held off the first round but took his ace when West led 42 to his partner's king. At first sight he had four losers: two spades, a diamond and a club (unless, perhaps, an opponent held #Q,J alone). There was, however, another possibility: he might find West with 2K,x,x or 2Q,x,x.
At trick three, South played off the ace and another club to leave the defenders with an insoluble problem. If West won with his queen, declarer would be able to take a ruffing finesse against East's king; if West allowed his partner to win 2J with his king, South would be able to ruff a club in hand to bring down West's queen and establish 210 for a diamond discard.
In practice, West played low, East won, and led a spade to West's jack. West did his best by leading the thirteenth spade which went to !3, !8 and !J. Then, after two rounds of trumps ending in dummy, a club ruff established South's tenth trick to make the contract.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments