A thoughtfull defense. Bridge Column for June 21, 2002, Harvey Bernstein Both sides vulnerable. South deals. North S: Q 9 5 3 H: 9 2 D: J 7 C: A K J 8 3 West East S: 6 S: Void H: 10 8 7 6 3 H: K J 5 4 D: K Q 9 5 4 2 D: A 10 8 6 C: 6 C: Q 10 9 7 5 South S: A K J 10 8 7 4 2 H: A Q D: 3 C: 4 2 The Bidding: South West North East 1S Pass 2C Pass 3S Pass 4S Pass 4NT Pass 5D Pass 6S Pass Pass Pass The opening lead is the king of diamonds. Cover the East and West hands and decide how you would play for twelve tricks. Most of the time, East will play the ten or eight of diamonds and when the king holds, West will lead another diamond, which will be trumped by South. Declarer will draw the outstanding trump and play on clubs in the hopes of establishing a long club trick for a heart discard. When the club position becomes known, declarer will try the heart finesse and with the king onside, will make his contract. An alert East, however, will realize that declarer did not bid a small slam with two small diamonds. He will overtake the king of diamonds with the ace and return the jack of hearts. Declarer is now faced with his heart decision before he knows how the clubs will divide. Most declarers will win the ace of hearts and in the fullness of time, lose a trick to the king when the clubs break badly. This is a good example of "keeping your head in the game". It is very easy to just follow suit. Your game will improve when you start to see plays like this one. _______________________________________________________ Bernstein is a free-lance writer in Solon.