Bridge News:

There were 6 tables in play at the Dec. 16 game, a nice turnout considering the approach of the holidays!

During that pair game, this was Board #20.

Before reviewing the bidding and play, try to visualize how the bidding might proceed, and then how the hand should be played.

Board 20: West was the dealer; Both sides were vulnerable.

Dealer is West and passes, as does North. East has a solid 1♠ opening, and South is likely to overcall 2♦. Even with few HCP, West’s distribution might well prompt him/her to insert a 2♥ call. North is likely to bid 3♦, and East’s 3♥ should end the auction.

The most likely lead is the ♦T. Dummy’s ♦A wins, and leads the ♥A followed by a low heart. South wins, and probably leads the ♦K, ruffed by declarer. Declarer must postpone the drawing of the last trump and lead a spade, taking the ♠AK in dummy. A low club lead will allow declarer to establish the long clubs after losing to the ♣AK. This line allows declarer to take 9 tricks. Drawing the last trump immediately will hold declarer to at most 8 tricks, provided declarer’s first club lead is won by North’s ♣A. A challenging hand, both for the declarer and the defenders.

When this hand was played locally, one pair played in 4♥/W down 2, 1 pair played in 2♥/E making 3, a 3rd pair played in 2♥/W making 2, a 4th pair played in 3NT/W down 1, a 5th pair played in 1NT/W making 3, and a 6th pair played in 1♠/E down 1.

Auctions and results are truly unpredictable!

The Los Alamos Duplicate Bridge Club games are held starting at 12:45 p.m., Wednesdays, at the Betty Ehart Senior Activity Center (BESAC), and 12:45 p.m., Mondays at the White Rock Senior Activity Center (WRSAC). Duplicate lessons are given at the BESAC 10 a.m. until noon, Friday when BESAC is open. Bridge players are welcome to participate. If you need a partner, please email Bobby Haynes at rsh@valornet.com, or Jerry Fleming at peanutcat@aol.com.