IMPROVE YOUR PLAY

With Larry Matheny

 

The lead of an unsupported ace can be very costly.  The old adage “Aces were meant to capture kings and queens” has a lot of merit.

 

Scoring:  IMPs (Teams)

#13-21

Dlr

E

Vul

N/S

S

QJ73

H

A943

D

KJ

C

AQ6

S

 842

H

 2

D

 A1065

C

 J10975

/images/pad.bmp

S

 A

H

 J75

D

 Q98742

C

 K32

 

S

K10965

H

KQ1086

D

3

C 

84

West

 North

East

South

  -  

-

2D

 Pass

 5D

DBL

 Pass

5H

   Pass

   Pass

   Pass

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

    

   

  

  

 

 

 

 

   

    

   

 

Bidding:  After East’s weak-two bid, West continued the preempt with a leap to the five-level.  North made a strength showing double and South bid his lower five-card suit.

 

Play:  In this team game, at one table West led the ace of diamonds.  Declarer was able to discard his losing club on the king of diamonds and make his contract.  At the other table, West led the jack of clubs and declarer had to lose a club along with the two aces.

 

Of course there are hands where it is imperative you cash your tricks immediately, but this wasn’t one of those.

 

 

 

Copyright ©2013 Larry Matheny