Trials and Errors

Dealer: South
Both sides vulnerable

North

Q 10 7 6

9 8

K 10 9 8

A J 4

West

5 2

10 7 6 4 3

A 4 2

Q 7 3

East

8 3

K J 5 2

Q 7 5

K 10 6 2

South

A K J 9 4

A Q

J 6 3

9 8 5

South	West	North	East
1�	Pass	3�	Pass
4�	All Pass

Opening Lead:� 4

“Your honor,” the district attorney stated, “we will prove that East committed a felony. He let South make a hopeless game.””Proceed,” said the judge.

“West led a heart against four spades,” the DA began: “eight, king, ace. Declarer drew trumps and led a diamond to dummy’s ten. When East took the queen, he returned a heart, and South won and led another diamond. He set up a diamond in dummy for a club discard, losing two diamonds and a club.”

“Objection!” East’s counsel roared. “True, East beats four spades with a club switch at Trick Five, but that would require a crystal ball.”

Did East commit a crime?

DRAWS TRUMPS
East was guilty. He must play the jack on the first heart. When South takes the queen and draws trumps, East knows the defense needs two club tricks and two diamonds. Hence he must switch to a club when he takes the queen of diamonds.

If instead South won the first heart with the ace, East could lead a heart at Trick Five, and West would return a club.

DAILY QUESTION�

You hold:
5 2
10 7 6 4 3
A 4 2
Q 7 3
. The dealer, at your left, opens one diamond. Your partner doubles, you bid one heart and he raises to two hearts. What do you say?

ANSWER�
Partner has a hand worth at least 17 points with four-card support. He wouldn’t raise with less since you might have no points and poor hearts. Bid four hearts. If the opening bid had been one club, your queen might be worthless and you wouldn’t be as aggressive.