IMPROVE YOUR PLAY #8 with Larry Matheny


Here is another look at defensive carding principles.  Most people use attitude as the primary signal when following to partner's lead.  With this understanding, a high card asks for a continuation and a low card suggests a switch or indicates no strength in the suit.  See how you would have done with this hand.


East-West vulnerable at matchpoints.

Hand # 8
Dlr   N
Vul E-W
S K43
H K8
D K4
C A98642
S 85
H QJ5
D 987652
C 73
            
S 972
H A10962
D AQ3
C 105

S AQJ106
H 743
D J10
C KQJ
West North
 East
 South

 1C 1H   1S
  Pass
   2S   Pass
   4S
(all pass)



BIDDING:  After East overcalled with 1H, South showed 5+ spades with his 1S bid.  With only a four card suit, South would have made a negative double.  North had an easy raise and South went on to game.

PLAY:  In response to his partner's overcall, West led the queen of hearts.  Hoping for a continuation, declared played low from dummy.  East immediately saw the danger in dummy's long club suit and signaled with the heart deuce that he did not want the suit continued.  West made the obvious switch to diamonds and the contract was defeated.  It is easy to see that if West had continued with a second heart, declarer would win any continuation, draw trumps, and discard his remaining red cards on the club suit.  In fact, East would have to cash the diamond ace at trick three just to prevent the overtrick. 

There was nothing difficult about this hand.  Just remember that every card you play sends a message.  Don't be mechanical; watch the cards.

Copyright ©2007 Larry Matheny.