Bridge News:

This is the first in a series of columns on local bridge bidding and play.

The hands displayed have been bid and played in the Los Alamos Duplicate Bridge Club.

Below is one of the 21 hands played in the Sept. 11 game.

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

North was the dealer.

Opening bids in a major generally promise 5+ cards. Holding at least 13 points, North opens with 1♠. South, with 9 points and 3-card spade support, bids 2♠. As there is not enough strength to bid game, this ends the auction.

East’s Opening Lead is probably the ♦J, a very safe lead considering partner did not bid. Declarer (North) should count his/her losers. On this hand, probably two spades, a heart, a diamond and possibly a club. That’s 5 losers, few enough to make the contract, barring some wild distribution.

West wins the ♦A after dummy (South) plays the ♦Q. Many Wests will return a trump, won by East’s Ace. When declarer gains the lead, he/she should play a high trump, leaving only a trump winner in the opponents’ hands. Now, Declarer should lead hearts until the Ace is played. Then use a high heart to reach dummy. Play a club on the ♦K and lead a club, playing the Queen if West does not play the King. As West has the King, this finesse works and you wind up losing only 4 tricks.

About the Los Alamos Duplicate Bridge Club:

The Los Alamos Duplicate Bridge Club has been in existence since the 1950s. Games are held at the Betty Ehart Senior Activity Center (12:45 p.m. Wednesdays), and at the White Rock Senior Activity Center (12:45 p.m. Mondays). Bridge players are welcome to participate. If you need a partner, please email Bobby Haynes at rsh@valornet.com or Jerry Fleming at peanutcat@aol.com.