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.It is extremely easy to reach a hopeless contract. I have been doing it for many years. What is more difficult is to make one. Try your luck on this deal and see if you can duplicate the coup brought off by Henri Svarc, the veteran French international.
Hint: It is only likely to work against expert opponents.
Love all; dealer South
North
4 A 8 7 6 4
! J 4
pounds K 7 5
2 10 5 3
West East
4 Q 10 9 4 J 3
! Q 8 7 3 2 ! K 9 6 5
pounds 10 8 2 pounds Q J 9
2 Q 6 2 K 9 8 4
South
4 K 5 2
! A 10
pounds A 6 4 3
2 A J 7 2
South opened One No-trump (15-17 points) and North raised to Three No- trumps (it would have been wiser to transfer to spades with Two Hearts, then bid only Two No-trumps, but these things happen).
Now consider the play after West leads the three of hearts to his partner's king. You have only six top winners and any attempt to develop the spade suit will let East-West cash their hearts. Any thoughts? What about winning the lead (ducking can hardly help) and playing for a blocked position in the heart suit? East might have started with exactly K987 in hearts and any three spades.
Not a bad try but, as you can see, it doesn't work, and would lead to only eight tricks even if it did.
Svarc decided to try for a swindle instead. He played dummy's jack on the opening lead, won East's king with his ace and at trick two followed with the ten of hearts!
It seemed clear to West that South held both the ten and the nine, so he ducked in order to remain in contact with his partner. With an extra heart trick in the bag, Svarc attacked spades and soon had nine tricks.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments