Goren on Bridge

The bridge world lost one of its brightest lights last month when Justin Lall, of New York City, passed away due to liver disease. Lall was just 33, but he had already amassed an enviable record in major tournaments in North America, as well as two gold medals in World Junior competition and a silver medal in a World Open Teams event. In addition to brilliant play, he had a dazzling personality that made friends wherever he went.

Today’s deal is from the Team Trials a few years ago, held to determine which team would represent the USA in the next World Championship. Lall’s team won this competition, thanks in part to today’s deal.

At the other table, Lall’s opponent overcalled one spade and played it there, bringing home a couple of overtricks. North’s two-no-trump bid asked for Lall’s minor while showing some useful values for game in case Lall had a good hand. A bid of three clubs by North, instead, would also have asked for the minor while showing no interest in bigger things.

Lall knew that his partner had no interest in spades, therefore at most two cards in the suit, plus useful values. He made the bold leap to slam, fully justified by his hand and his partner’s bid. One heart loser went on the ace of diamonds and three spade ruffs in dummy established his long spade as a winner. Six clubs bid and made! Very well done.

Bob Jones welcomes readers’ responses sent in care of this newspaper or to Tribune Content Agency, LLC., 16650 Westgrove Dr., Suite 175, Addison, TX 75001. Email responses may be sent to tcaeditors@tribune.com.

© 2020 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.