Okbridge Today column

[n]

The Original and Largest Internet Bridge Club

Tuesday, July 28, 1998

SHEINWOLD'S BRIDGE

The Trump Promotion

BY FRANK STEWART

South
West
North
East
1
Pass
2
Pass
2
Pass
3NT
Pass
4
Pass
4
All Pass
Opening lead -- 6

The more you know about declarer's distribution, the
easier it is to defend. Defeating today's game should be no
problem -- in theory.

East captured dummy's king of clubs and returned a club.
He succeeded in promoting a trump trick for West -- but
didn't beat the contract. South ruffed with the ace of
trumps, took the king, queen and jack, and next led a good
club and threw a diamond. West ruffed and cashed the
ace of diamonds, but South had the rest.

SIDE WINNERS

When East took the ace of clubs, he could place South with 5-5-2-1 distribution on the bidding. Since East needs to
cash the defenders' side winners before trying for a trump promotion, he must lead a diamond at Trick Two. West
wins and returns a diamond to the jack, and East then leads a club, assuring the setting trick.

Even if South had the ace of diamonds (and weaker spades), East's play would be unlikely to cost: South would
surely grab the ace since he'd plan to pitch his low diamond on a good club.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: 10 9 5 2 7 4 3 A 9 6 5 2 6

Your partner opens one spade, and the next player doubles. What do you say?

ANSWER

Bid three spades, suggesting a weak hand, typically with four-card trump support and a side singleton. This bid will
preempt the opponents and will let your partner judge whether to sacrifice if they reach game. If you had a strong
hand (even one with spade support), you first move would be to redouble.

© 1998, Los Angeles Times Syndicate
Brought to you courtesy of OKbridge, Inc.
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