New CaNadiaN Bridge

Book Review

Hand of the Week by Joel Martineau Dealer: East E-W vulnerable NORTH ♠KQJ ♥AQ65 ♦K63 ♣1092 WEST EAST ♠10854 ♠976 ♥1092 ♥J83 ♦J10752 ♦A98 ♣K ♣A543 SOUTH ♠A32 ♥K74 ♦Q4 ♣QJ876 W N E S

Pass 1♣ Pass 1♥ Pass 1NT Pass 3NT All Pass Opening Lead: ♦5

South called for the three of diamonds from the table as East inserted the eight taken by the queen. West wins the king of clubs at trick two to return the jack of diamonds. South misguesses by playing dummy's king as East takes the ace, cashes the ace of clubs and returns the nine of diamonds. West overtakes with the ten and the game finishes down two. East knew from the Rule of Eleven that declarer held only one diamond higher than the five and it must be either the queen, jack or ten. East wisely inserted the eight-spot, waiting to top the king with the ace. South could have succeeded by refusing to play the king on the second round of diamonds. The diamond suit will be blocked and the defense scores only two diamonds and two club tricks.

The author taught literature at The University of British Columbia but is now retired.

There are fifty-two deals that invite readers to look over the shoulder of the declarer or defender and plan the plays.

This is his first bridge book and you can purchase this effort for $22.95 from Vince Oddy's Bridge Books & Supplies Tel: 1-800-463-9815.