Dubious Logic

Suffolk Mixed Pairs

The Suffolk Mixed Pairs for the Ringer Cup is an enjoyable event with the expected assortment of partnerships for the day and those set for life, perhaps in more ways than just bridge. The latter had a better showing with Alan and Elaine Green winning and regular pairing Graham Beeton and Sue Flin second. For my partner Pauline Hanson and I it was only our third outing in as many years but she must have played well for our result represents my highest achievement in a mixed pairs of any sort.

Board two saw a classic battle between declarer and defence in three no-trumps; one side struggles to establish nine tricks in three suits, the defence fights back with their suit at each turn.

With an attractive shape improved by partner's spade call, I thought the West cards worth a reverse. Partner's precipitous jump to the no-trump game wasn't what I wanted to hear but afraid of short spades and club values, I had to pass.

South led her fourth highest club to the ten (slightly odd) and knave. Declarer started on spades, low to the queen and ace for the club queen next. East covered of course, setting up the nine and South won. The actual continuation of the club six left declarer no way to go wrong. The club eight would have forced East to hold up the nine but thereafter would have been safe. If the clubs are cleared, it is South not North who has the heart ace and declarer can force a trick there while still having the transportation to cash the club nine and the spades.

And that is the essence of the deal: if North holds on to his spade ace until the third round declarer will be in poor shape. Now when South wins the club ace and eight – which East must duck – the defence can shift to a diamond. Those black suit winners will be stranded in hand and declarer will be painfully playing out of dummy – resigned to going down one.

Published Saturday 23.Jun.2007