Nobody Rings a Bell

Just imagine how easy bridge would be for all concerned if a bell were to sound every time a critical moment was reached. West would certainly have been grateful on this deal from the Round 6 match between Germany & Russia.

Board 6. Dealer East. E/W Vul.
	ª A K 10 9 2 © 8 6 ¨ - § Q 6 5 4 3 2
ª 6 4 3 © A Q 9 5 3 ¨ J 10 8 3 § A		ª Q J 8 7 © 10 ¨ Q 7 6 5 § K J 10 7
	ª 5 © K J 7 4 2 ¨ A K 9 4 2 § 9 8

West	North	East	South
Petrunin	Wladow	Gromov	Elinescu
		Pass	2©*
Pass	Pass	Dble	All Pass

West was more than happy to pass his partner’s reopening double, but it requires a very careful defence to defeat Two Hearts. The first move was easy, as West led the ace of clubs. The appearance of the dummy made it clear that West must prevent diamond ruffs, even at the cost of some potential trump tricks, so West switched to the ace followed by the nine of hearts. Declarer won in hand and played three rounds of spades, first discarding his losing club and then ruffing the third round.

When declarer advanced the ace of diamonds another critical point had been reached. It is essential for West to retain the three of diamonds in order to retain communications with East. When he failed to do so declarer was home. After cashing his other diamond winner he exited with a diamond and in due course West was forced to ruff one of his partner’s winners and lead into the trump tenace.