Novice/Intermediate Declarer Problem of the Month
October, 1999
This month's hand is inspired by one that occurred at a recent Wednesday night game at the Dupont country club in Wilmington, DE.
MPs
Vulnerable: Both
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NORTH  9 8 2 Q J T 9 K T 7 A 6 5 |
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SOUTH Q 4A K 8 7 6A Q 3J 9 2 |
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This deal will be used to illustrate the importance of taking advantage of the opponent's bidding to help you determine the best line of play. You are presented with two auctions, both leading to South's declaring four hearts. The N-S cards are identical in both cases. See if you can determine the best line in both instances.
| AUCTION 1 | |||
| EAST | SOUTH | WEST | NORTH |
| 1 |
2 |
Pass | 2 |
| Pass | 3 |
Pass | 4 |
| Pass | 4 |
Pass | Pass |
A word about the bidding: The 2 bid shows at least invitational values and almost certainly a heart fit.
3 is game forcing, and 4 is a cuebid, denying a spade
control.
West leads the 5. East wins the K, cashes the
A and continues with the J, which you ruff.
Next you cash the QA, both opponents following.
Plan the play.
| AUCTION 2 | |||
| WEST | NORTH | EAST | SOUTH |
| 1 |
Pass | Pass | 2 |
| Pass | 2 |
Pass | 4 |
| Pass | Pass | Pass | Pass |
This time, it is WEST who opens the bidding, and, again, you arrive at a contract of four hearts. West begins by cashing the
K, A and continuing with the J. Again, you ruff and
draw trump in two rounds.
Plan the play.