BRIDGE News:

During the charity game played on Wednesday, Dec. 2, this was Board #4.

Before reviewing the bidding and play, try to visualize how the bidding might proceed, and then how the hand should be played.

Board 4: West was the dealer; Both sides were vulnerable.

Dealer is West and passes. North has a powerhouse and should bid 2NT, showing a balanced hand and 20-21 high card points (HCP). South has a choice. A 4NT bid would be quantitative and asks partner to bid slam with a good maximum. North should gladly accept and bid 6NT. Some Souths might bid 6NT directly because of the good 5-card club suit and touching honors in hearts.

If the opening lead is a spade, declarer can count 12 tricks if clubs break no worse than 4-2. If East leads a heart, North should win it with the ♥10. That again guarantees 12 tricks. It’s a little harder to take 12 tricks if East chooses a club lead, but slam is still makable. Play all your clubs, discarding a diamond and two spades. Play the ♦A and East discards another spade. Now play your ♥AKQ. If all follow suit, your 4th heart is your 12th trick. When West shows out of hearts on the 3rd lead, just play your 4th heart, letting East win. Now he/she has to lead a spade, giving you your 12th trick.

When this hand was played locally, one pair played in 6NT making 6, 1 pairs played in 3NT making 6, a third pair played in 3NT making 5, and a 4th pair played in 4♥ down 1.

The Los Alamos Duplicate Bridge Club games are held starting at 12:45 p.m. Wednesdays at the Betty Ehart Senior Activity Center (BESAC) and starting at 12:45 p.m. Mondays at the White Rock Senior Activity Center (WRSAC). Duplicate lessons are given 10 a.m. to noon Fridays at the BESAC when BESAC is open. Bridge players are welcome to participate. If you need a partner, email Bobby Haynes at rsh@valornet.com or Jerry Fleming at peanutcat@aol.com.