August 2010

TIP OF THE MONTH

Sometimes it is NOT right to draw trump

Harvey

Vul: Both
Dlr: E

 
6
Q94
A7632
J862

 

QT4
83
KQJ4
KT75

J973
K652
T85
A4

  AK852
AJT7
9
Q93

 

South
West
North
East
 
Pass
Pass
Pass
1
Pass
1NT
Pass
2
Pass
Pass
Pass


Bidding: North makes a minimum response to Souths
spade opening bid and passes the two heart rebid electing to play
a 4-3 fit. (which happens to be the best spot)


Play: South should realize that his hand has a great many
losers and that the best way to play the hand is never to
draw trump but rather to crossruff the entire hand. If this is
done, declarer will make nine tricks: Two high spades, the
ace of diamonds, two spade ruffs in dummy and the four trumps in his hand.