BRIDGE

Blessed with a young family and a full-time teaching position, Toronto’s Andy Stark somehow manages to find time to do a superb job as Editor of the Kibitzer, a wonderful online publication for American Contract Bridge League members in Ontario.

Also noteworthy: Andy is more than just a bridge journalist who writes about players’ exploits, he is also a very strong player and is currently competing in the Canadian Bridge Federation’s online National Team Championships playing in both the Open and Mixed Teams.

Many of us are grateful Andy isn’t also eligible for the Senior Teams! Because he’s always a threat to do something fiendishly effective but unorthodox like leading the Queen of diamonds on this deal. (Happy Birthday Andy! - yesterday).

Expecting the diamond lady was more likely to reside in either dummy or his partner’s hand, Andy picked the perfect time to table the unusual lead.

(DISCLAIMER: the last time I tried a similar lead, Declarer held a singleton King! You pay your money, you take your chances!).

Back at the table, declarer decided to play low from dummy at trick one: maybe there would be an early arrival of East’s ace (!!!) or maybe playing the King would help the defenders untangle the suit for a thirdround ruff. Undaunted,

Andy fired out the diamond Jack to the second trick!

Again, declarer played low from dummy but East, not totally in on the joke, ruffed, crossed to his partner’s heart ace for ace and a second diamond ruff. Down two for the dazzled declarer before he could even take a trick!

The other team’s West led a totally orthodox club against the same contract.