Bridge in the Tri-Cities: Ladies Night

Opening Lead: Two of diamonds.

The third Wednesday was not meant to be ladies night, but it turned out that way. Lynne Paasch and Kiki Powers had a huge game to win all the marbles. Kiki held the North hand and drove to slam. All Lynne had to do was make it.

The Bidding: Lynne opened the bidding and Kiki made a two-over- one bid which was a game force. 3H established the trump suit and 5H was non-forcing asking, “How good are your hearts?” Lynne’s hearts were very good!

The Play: The diamond lead was won with the king. A spade was ruffed and the diamond ace and queen were played pitching two spades. Notice that you cannot pitch a club. The diamond ten was played and it was ruffed (or over-ruffed). Then declarer’s last spade was ruffed and the heart ace and king were played. A low heart was led. West won, and declarer claimed winning two hearts, the club ace, and only now was a club discarded on the good diamond nine. She could not pitch clubs on the good diamonds and instead must pitch spades – if she pitches a club she won’t be out of spades when West gets in with trump and West will be able to set the contract by winning a high spade.

What Happened? The contract was played five times in hearts and 12 tricks were taken by only two. The other pair were in four. With a club lead it is a little harder. Don’t finesse at trick one or you will be down for sure!

Bridge Futures: There are many bridge games in the Tri-Cities and I am sure there is one for you. Contact the Richland Community Center (RCC) to find a match for your abilities or your preference. The Richland Duplicate Bridge Club has a game every Monday night at the RCC starting at 5:30. Call Tom Edwards at 946-1824 for more information.

This story was originally published November 4, 2017 at 4:17 PM with the headline "Bridge in the Tri-Cities: Ladies Night."