Page 27 - ABF Newsletter August 2025

IMPROVE YOUR DEFENCE
with Ron Klinger
Solution to problem on page 2
CONSIDERATIONS
Teams. Dealer South. Both sides vulnerable.
] A J 10 9
[7 }KQ98654 {4
]5
Solution: Overtake the {Q, cash the [A and switch to the }J.
The deal arose in one of the matches in the Round of 32 in the 2024 Spingold (USA Open Teams):
Board 4. Dealer South. Both sides vulnerable.
] A J 10 9
[7 }KQ98654 {4
]74 ]5 [KJ986 [ A 10 4 3 2 }A7 }J
WN E WEST NORTH
EAST
{ A K 10 8 6 5 SOUTH
pass 4] all pass
West led the {Q: four - five - seven. West contin-
ued with the {2. Declarer ruffed with the ]A, drew trumps and played the }3. West took the }A and declarer claimed ten tricks, North-South +620. One would think that the winning defence was little more than child’s play and it was astonishing to see the defence missed in an event as prestigious as the USA Spingold. It is not clear what East intended with the {5 at trick one, but West did not get the winning message. Of course, West might have done the right thing anyway. It could not cost to switch to a heart at trick two, and East should then find the diamond switch. Assessment of blame: East 100%, West 90%.
At the other table:
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH 2]
pass 4] 5{ pass pass 5[ pass 5] 6{ 6] pass pass dbl all pass
Here the defenders took all their tricks on the {Q lead. East won with the {K, cashed the [A and switched to the }J. West took the }A and returned the }7. East ruffed and South was three down, East- West +800 and +16 imps.
Note that if East had bid 4NT, West would have bid 5{ and East would have passed. Your worst fears are rarely realised. You can see that East-West can make 6{ or 6[.
[A10432 S}J
At one table:
WEST NORTH EAST
2] 1
West leads the {Q, and dummy plays the four. Which
pass 4]
1. Weak two, six spades, 6-10 points.
all pass club would you play as East?
*****
This should not be too difficult. You can see two tricks, one in clubs and one in hearts. You need two more and the only hope for that is if partner has the }A and can give you a diamond ruff. The situation is obvious to you, but it might not be obvious to partner. In such cases, you should take control of the defence.
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{QJ92
]KQ8632 [Q5
} 10 3 2 {73
{ A K 10 8 6 5
SOUTH 2]
Australian Bridge Federation Ltd. Newsletter: August 2025
Page: 27