KHATIB KIBITZER
|
|
|
||
|
west | north | east | south |
- | Pass | Pass | 1 |
1 |
Double | 3NT | |
All Pass |
Team-of-Four (IMP Scoring)
North-South Vulnerable
Opening lead: Six of Spades
After west's overcall, a negative double and east's preemptive raise, south tried three notrump, and west led the spade six.
A winning club finesse would provide enough tricks for game, but what if the club finesse lost? South quickly recognized the dangerous heart situation, and was grateful to have escaped a heart lead.
With the dangerous heart position in mind, and playing west for a likely king of clubs, South decided to try a deceptive play that has been around for many years. When East played his ♠J at trick one, south immediately won... but with the spade ace!
South next led his
It's hard to fault west's low spade return. What if south, as it appeared, held the
South deserves credit for his gutsy deceptive play. But many well-oiled partnerships would probably avoid falling into south's trap. They might do so by employing either of two popular conventions - one that would occur during the bidding, or one that would occur during the play.
Fans of the
Or the east-west partnership might have agreed to play some form of the
Few would suggest the Smith Echo be used by a casual player, and certainly not without extensive partnership discussion. On the other hand, the Rosenkrantz Redouble is easy to learn, and can simplify the defense against that ever-present contract of three notrump. It's also easy to recognize, since a natural strength-showing redouble by the advancer would rarely be possible. After all, there are still only 40 points in the deck!
♠ ♥ ♦ ♣