Janet de Botton

Bridge | 7 March 2013

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Maybe Sally overbid with 3 (I would have done the same) but if she hadn’t there wouldn’t be a story to tell.

West led the ♠10 and declarer had a lot to do. It’s usually right to set up the side suit first, so Jeremy won the Ace of Spades and called for a top Diamond, won by East’s Ace. East continued Spades, knocking out the last side suit entry to dummy.

The Queen of Diamonds was cashed and, noticing West’s ‘peter’ in the suit, Jeremy ruffed a Diamond with the 7, West over-ruffing with the Queen and returning a Heart to dummy’s Ace. But declarer was now in control. The Jack of Diamonds took care of one of his Club losers, and when the last Diamond was played from dummy, East had no answer — ruffing high is no good, nor is ruffing low, as declarer will simply over-ruff and trump his last Club in dummy. If East discards, the lead is still in the North hand to play a trump towards hand. Excellent technique by declarer, and a well deserved top.

Thanks to all who gave their time and skills so willingly, but the big bouquet of course goes to Terry, who makes us all so happy to take part.

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