aceS on bridge

“I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a king.”

— Queen Elizabeth I

The U.S. scored decisive victories in both the pairs and teams events at the Hua Yuan women’s tournament last October in Beijing. Today’s deal shows a spectacular play by a member of the American team — with a rather unexpected outcome. The deal came up in the round robin, when USA faced France.

At our featured table, Pam Granovetter (North) could not open a weak two diamonds, so she sensibly chose to pass, influenced by her excellent support for either major suit. Benedicte Cronier could open one heart, but nonetheless Sylvia Shi ended up declaring three no-trump.

As West, Catherine Mus found the best opening salvo when she led the spade two, which went to the six, eight and three. Cronier returned the spade jack. Shi won and took stock. Her left-hand opponent was known to have led from a suit that was only four cards long, and was also known to have at most one heart. It made sense, therefore, that Mus’ distribution was exactly 4=1=4=4. So, Shi cashed the diamond ace and finessed the diamond 10. Well done, for a sparkling plus-400. How many IMPs do you suppose she gained for her play?

In the other room, the French North opened three diamonds; can you blame Irina Levitina for overcalling three hearts? I cannot. Anne-Laure Huberschwiller found an incisive penalty double and led the ace and another diamond. When declarer incorrectly guessed the location of the spade 10, she could do no better than take four trump tricks and a club for down 800 and a 9-IMP swing to France.

ANSWER: Your partner’s call suggests extras in high cards or playing strength, and you certainly have something in hand for your first call. It seems logical to advance with a bid of three spades. You might be able to make game in diamonds, spades or no-trump; let partner know where you live.