When the deal was played in real life, East
gave Declarer an easy ride. West’s opening Diamond
lead was won in Dummy, and at Trick 2, Declarer played trumps. East grabbed his
immediately, cashed a Diamond and continued the suit. Dummy ruffed that and
played a second round of trumps, getting the news of the 4-1 break. Now
Declarer delayed drawing the remaining trumps, instead knocking out the ♠A.
When West was in he persisted with Diamonds, again ruffed in Dummy. Now
Declarer was home free, he simply crossed to hand with a Club, drew trumps and
was left with nothing but black suit winners. Making 10 tricks! How could East
improve on that defense?
►
East must hold off with the Ace
on the first round of trumps. And also on the second round! Now Declarer is
done for. If he leads a third trump then East will finally take her Ace, after
which repeated Diamond leads will set up a trump trick for East … and if
Declarer abandons trumps then East’s small trump will score a Club ruff. Down
one!
Nice defense by East, who will
remember to say “Great opening lead, Partner!” The auction told West that
Declarer was probably in a 4-4 fit and had a bad trump split in his future. So,
West concluded that a forcing defense might be the best way to put Declarer’s
trump holding under pressure. Accordingly, he led his long Diamond suit, the
only lead to set the contract.
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