rainbow@ihuxe.UUCP (05/22/84)
How did declarer make this hand? Obviously West parted with his 3C prematurely! S:QJ875 H:A73 D:982 C:A4 S:432 S: H:Q H:KJT985 D: D:KQJT743 C:QJT987653 C: S:AKT96 H:642 D:A65 C:K2 Contract: 4S by South Proper defense will set this contract all day. But it is tough to find if declarer gives it best play. Win the opening lead. Cash 3 top spades. AH. AD. If west pitches the 3C its curtains for the defense! Now the KC overtaking with the Ace! Once again West must preserve the 3C. Now try to exit with the 4C. If West still has the 3C, ducking will set the contract. Otherwise it is all over. On the succeeding club leads, pitch two hearts from dummy and two diamonds from hand(or vice-versa). Cross-ruff the last four tricks. Taking 3 aces, 3 trumps, and 4 ruffs for the contract. Very interesting to note that proper defense can hold the contract to 5 trumps and four outside winners.