Bridge - The Scotsman 23/04/2012

THE Lady Milne Trophy has returned to Scotland. Last year the ladies’ team tied with England, but this year the Scots achieved a huge score of 104 VPs.

Wales were a disappointed second with 96; Ireland third with 71; then England 69; Northern Ireland 65, and the Welsh Bridge Union 38. The Scottish team was Sheila Adamson, Anne Symons, Fiona McQuaker, Yvonne Wiseman, Sam Punch and Liz McGowan, npc Brian Short

We did not play perfectly, but made fewer errors and took more chances than our opponents. On this deal we played in a poor 3NT which was allowed to make when East-West blocked the heart suit. The Irish reached the superior 4S, but South, disappointed with her dummy, failed to spot her only chance. West led the ten of hearts, which was allowed to score, and a second heart, ruffed. Declarer played a spade to the king, perhaps hoping for QJ doubleton. When no honour appeared she ran the ten of spades to the queen. She now had to lose a trick in each suit for one down.

The winning line requires 3-2 breaks in both diamonds and spades. South should ruff the second heart and immediately play ace, king and another diamond. East wins and leads a club, but to no avail. Declarer plays ace and king of spades, then leads a winning diamond from dummy. Whether or not East ruffs with her trump winner the losing club is discarded.