THE UNSUNG HEROINE QUIETLY BEATS YOU

Maggie Shayne, an author of romantic novels, said, "I enjoy heroines who grow and come into their own during the course of a story."

That applies to the heroine of this deal, Jacqui Mitchell. She is one of the strongest players ever, but perhaps used to be under the shadow of her husband, Victor Mitchell, who died in 1995. However, Jacqui has the better record. Victor won two silver medals in world team championships and six national championships, but Jacqui has 11 world championship medals: five gold (four team and one women's pairs), three silver and three bronze. She also has 15 national championships.

In the auction, West's two-club overcall was a Michaels Cue-Bid, promising at least 5-5 in the majors. Mitchell's two-heart advance was cautious. With (at least) a nine-card fit, she should have jumped to three hearts. That would probably have silenced South. Then West, with a sixth trump, could have raised to game. Note that four hearts was makable.

When Mitchell bid only two hearts, South sneaked in a three-club rebid and ended in five clubs.

West led the heart 10, showing zero or two higher honors. After winning with the heart ace, what did Mitchell lead at trick two?

Note that a spade switch would not have worked. Declarer would have won with the ace, ruffed her

bridge

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heart loser in the dummy, drawn trumps and played a spade toward dummy's queen.

Mitchell switched to the diamond six! Then the defenders took a trick in each side suit.

Copyright United Feature Syndicate (Asia Features)