Bridge

Friday's bridge...

THE introduction of a set convention card in Individual events has obviated the need for system discussion, saving time and memory strain. But it does not mean that all auctions are identical. This effort comes from the Benjamin, the invitational individual for the top-ranked players on the master point ranking list.

South passed rather than open a Weak Two with four cards in the other major. West upgraded his 11-count to a weak 1NT, and North passed because he had a sure-fire defence to that contract. East's 2S was a transfer to a minor, and 2NT showed better diamonds than clubs. When East bid 3D South thought it time to enter the auction, and North raised him to game.

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West formed a cunning defensive plan for the defence. He would lead a spade, and another when in with the first heart, then put partner on lead with the king of diamonds to get a ruff. So he doubled. Declarer, Harry Smith, won the lead and led a heart to the king. John Matheson continued spades, won the second heart and underled the ace of diamonds as per the plan. Smith was delighted to win the trick, draw trump and claim an overtrick for +990. As Matheson ruefully points out, a club lead works much better.

The only other plus score for North-South came when West passed, North opened 1C, South responded 1H and North rebid 3C. South bid a speculative 3NT and West led her fourth highest diamond. Everybody else went four down in 3NT.

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