Intermezzo

E/W Vul
IMPs
Dealer: North
Lead: A

E/W Vul IMPs Dealer: North	jdonn 7 5 3 A J 10 7 5 2 K 5 3 2
sheu K 8 6 K Q 6 3 Q 7 4 10 9 6		lornic A Q 9 8 4 A 9 Q J 8 5 4 3
	Maestro J 10 4 2 9 J 10 8 6 2 A K 7

West 3NT

North 2 Pass

East 3 Pass

South Pass Pass

 

Too lazy to write a full hand today, but a small squib to whet the appetite, say, a four-trick* defensive compression play.

Gee’s partner, once again, is the fortunate Josh Donn. His 2D opener is multi, showing either a major suit weak two-bid or a strong balanced hand. East makes a pretty usual 3C overcall, and West bids an aggressive notrump game.

Josh leads the heart ace, Gee dropping the 9, and continues the suit as Gee discards a club and declarer wins the king. East plays a club; Gee wins the king and surveys the territory. What to play, what to play? Once the clubs are established declarer will have at least nine tricks: four clubs, two hearts (being marked with the queen of hearts on the play, not to mention the bidding), a diamond, and two spades. No hearts left, so that’s out. Spade into the AQ doesn’t look too promising. Ummm…

Cash the other club. Yeah, that’s the ticket.

*Only a two-trick compression if declarer ducks in diamonds, playing North for Kx or Kxx, and blocks the suit.