To be successful at bridge it helps to
have a good knowledge of the game, the ability to concentrate, and that
intangible called "table feel". It also helps to have a bit of
good luck. Take a look at this hand.
VUL: N/S
SCORING: Matchpoints
Hand #21
Dlr
N
Vul
N-S
98
5
1087
AKQJ432
QJ8643
J65
10765
AJ10762
K97
32
98
KQ543
A102
AKQ94
West
North
East
South
3NT*
Pass
6
All
Pass
*Gambling 3NT
BIDDING: North's opening bid showed a solid seven or eight card
minor suit with no outside ace or king. South could count twelve
tricks and promptly bid the slam.
West led a heart won by South with the ace. Declarer then ruffed
a heart in dummy and drew trumps. He was able to discard dummy's
two losing spades on the diamond suit and claim thirteen tricks.
How was luck a factor? If North had been declarer, the lead of
the ace of spades and another would have defeated the slam. You
should also note that 6NT would fail because South would not be able to
reach that beautiful club suit.
