IMPROVE YOUR PLAY

with Larry Matheny

When defending a hand, signals showing attitude or count take priority. However, there are situations where a suit preference signal is clearly needed.

Scoring: Matchpoints (Pairs)

#12-09
Dlr	W
Vul	none

	97
	KQJ5
	KQ54
	J98

	AJ52
	97
	107
	KQ1042

	K643
	10864
	J98
	A7

	Q108
	A32
	A632
	653

West	North	East	South
Pass	1	Pass	1NT
Pass	Pass	Pass

BIDDING: This was a routine partscore auction.

Play: West was reluctant to lead a low club from this holding because in this auction, declarer frequently has clubs. He considered a spade lead but finally selected the king of clubs. When the king held the trick it was clear his partner held the ace because declarer would never duck with that card. If partner started with three clubs there was no problem but what if he held only two? To handle either case, at trick two West led the ten of clubs. This was a suit preference card showing an entry in spades. East won the ace and continued with the three of spades. The defenders had no problem cashing five clubs along with four spades for a great score.

Copyright ©2012 Larry Matheny