a.d Afeer
BRIDGE
A light slam
Andrew Robson
WHILST A no-trump slam with no long suits requires 33 points to be held by the partnership, suit slams can frequently be made with considerably fewer points. The key ingredients are a good fit, shortages and aces. Here North-South have all three and contracted for slam with just 23 points — less than the normal requirements for a game contract.
Dealer South Neither Side Vulnerable The Bidding South West North East
24, pass 210 pass
24 pass 2NT pass
44 pass 54 pass
64 pass pass pass
Leaving nothing unbid, South found himself in 64 — a contract that was des- tined to make on a black suit lead, as this gives dummy an entry to take the winning 4 finesse. However West hit upon the opening lead of V4 to East's PIK. Can you see how declarer made his slam?
He beat East's VK with VA and made the crucial play: he cashed •A and •K before exiting with V10. West won 11Q but, because it was his partner who held the • winner, he was endplayed. He actually chose to lead another V which declarer won with dummy's VI., discarding one • loser; he cashed +A discarding the other
• and led 4J. East played low, so did declarer and when East's 4K appeared on the 410, declarer had the remainder.
Did you notice that if East refuses to play his /PK, declarer cannot make his slam, despite winning V10 at trick one?
The Andrew Robson Bridge Club is having an Open Day on 10 September and a free introductory session for beginners on IS September. Ring 0171 349 0512 for more details.
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