Bridge in the Tri-Cities: Wood River | Tri-City Herald

* Transfer

Opening Lead: Four of spades.

If you are ever vacationing in the Sun Valley/Ketchum area of Southern Idaho, be sure and visit the Wood River Bridge Club in Ketchum. They have up-to- date software and a nice playing area in the basement of the Catholic Church. They provided me with a very fine partner.

The Bidding: When partner opened 2NT, showing 20-21 points, I transferred to hearts and jumped to a small slam after her “Super Accept” of 4H.

The Play: At most other tables, declarer took the finesse in spades and in clubs. Then complained that it was a 75% slam and was unlucky. My partner realized that the spade finesse was an illusion! If the queen was in the West hand, the finesse was unnecessary. She pulled trump, cashed three diamonds, and played the AK of spades. She played for the additional chance that the queen of spades was doubleton in the East hand. When the queen dropped, she claimed 12 tricks and her contract.

What Happened? We tied for first with a 67% game and today’s hand is an example of her fine analysis and play.