IMPROVE YOUR PLAY #19 with Larry Matheny
One of the goals of duplicate bridge is to eliminate or at least reduce luck as a factor.  Playing the same hands as your opponents usually allows skill to prevail but there is no doubt that luck, good or bad, can rear its head.   Take a look at this hand.

VUL: Both
SCORING: IMPS

Hand #19
Dlr   S
Vul Both
S 74
H 865
D Q3
C A108765
S Q653
H Q97432
D 107
C 9
    
S A102
H A10
D K98642
C K2

S KJ98
H KJ
D AJ5
C QJ43
West North
 East
 South

 
1NT
 Pass 2S  Pass
 2NT
  Pass
    3NT  All Pass
     
   
    



BIDDING:  Sitting South, I had a classic 1NT opener and partner responded 2S which we play as a transfer to clubs.  I rebid 2NT showing a good hand with a fit for clubs.  This was a team game and we were behind so North took the plunge and bid a highly optimistic 3NT.

PLAY:  West led a low heart to the ace and I won the continuation with the king.  A lot of cards had to be right for this contract to make.  I took a deep breath and led the queen of clubs.  I played low from dummy and East won the king.  Just when I expected to see another heart, he led a low spade.  My first stroke of luck; apparently the hearts were divided 6-2.  Since I always go down if the spade ace is on my left, I rose with the king winning the trick.  That was my second piece of good luck.  I ran the clubs and eventually led a diamond to my jack and when that won, I had nine tricks. 

This was certainly a lucky hand and we were now back in the match. 

Copyright ©2007 Larry Matheny.