Anticipation

By Ron Klinger

Annually, the IBPA hands out awards for bridge journalism during the year. This year they chose this item for Declarer Play of hte Year

Michael Courtney of Sydney foun an ingenious deceptive play to divert East from the winning play on this deal from rubber bridge:

West led the ª6: ten, jack, king. Courtney now took the losing diamond finesse. East thought it was a good idea to cash the heart winners before rturning a apade and so he led the ©K . West was keen to deny possession of the heart queen, so he followed with the jack. Because the spade six opening lead was fourth-highest and Courtney could see the three and four, he was aware that West had at most six spades and so East had another spade.

Courtney was eager to inhibit a spade switch by East and when East continued with the ©A, he followed smoothly with the queen! West continued to unblock by playing the ten. Completely taken in East played a third heart. Surprise, surprise, South's nine won the trick. Suddenly a contract which would under normal circumstances be three down was made easily. Well done, Mr Courtney.

Check out Ron's website, where you can view hands, tips on all aspects of the game, buy books and videos, and book cruises through the year. And for a small monthly fee, have access to the archives.