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In the final of the Life Master Pairs at the ACBL Summer Championships, Larry Sealy took advantage of a defensive slip to make a valuable overtrick. His partner, Wafik Abdou, brought the deal to the Daily Bulletin.

Against four hearts, played by South after a transfer response to 1NT, West led a diamond. Sealy ducked East’s jack, and East shifted to the king of clubs.

Sealy took the ace and led the queen of trumps: king, ace. He took the ace of diamonds, ruffed his last diamond high and led a spade from dummy. East played low, and Sealy took the ace and ruffed a club.

DANGER

When dummy led a trump next, East awoke to the danger of being end-played with his queen of spades; he discarded it. But Sealy then led the nine of clubs and threw a spade from dummy. East had to win and lead a minor-suit card, conceding a ruff-sluff.

If East plays the queen on the first spade — easier in hindsight — he can save his six as an exit card and hold declarer to 10 tricks.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S K 10 8 7 3 H K D 10 7 6 2 C 8 7 5. The dealer, at your left, opens two diamonds (weak). Your partner doubles, and the next player passes. What do you say?

ANSWER: Your partner has a hand worth at least 15 points with support for the unbid suits, especially the majors. (He might hold a powerful hand with his own long suit.) Since you have a five-card spade suit and two working kings, you should try for game. Bid three spades.

South dealer

Both sides vulnerable

NORTH

S 9 4 2

H A J 9 8 6 5 2

D 5 3

C Q

WEST

S K 10 8 7 3

H K

D 10 7 6 2

C 8 7 5

EAST

S Q 6

H 7

D K Q J 9

C K J 10 6 4 3

SOUTH

S A J 5

H Q 10 4 3

D A 8 4

C A 9 2

South West North East
1 NT Pass 4 D Pass
4 H All Pass
Opening lead — D 6

©2022 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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