From A To Zia

Sydney Morning Herald

Wednesday November 14, 2007

Ron Klinger

This was Board 13 of Round 1 of the Bermuda Bowl:

North dealer : Both vulnerable

Open, vs Pakistan (13-17). Australia was two down in 6D on the SK lead.

North passed initially and made a weak jump-overcall to 2S later. At the other table Pakistan scored +630 in 3NT.

Women's, vs Philippines (18-12). Both sides played in 5D. The Australian North

opened a multi-2D, the Philippines North-South were silent. The lead was the S3 at

both tables. The Philippines made an overtrick for 12 Imps when Australia was one down (S3, taken by SA, followed by CA, ruffed and a heart loser later).

Seniors, Australia vs Sweden (18-12).

At both tables the bidding began 2D multi : Pass : 2H (Pass or correct).

Sweden played 4D for +150, Australia 3D for +130.

The Bermuda Bowl match between USA1 and USA2 produced a great play by Zia Mahmood.

USA2 East-West

West North East South

--- 2S Dble 3S

5D Pass Pass Pass

North led a spade and Eric Rodwell, West, played a diamond to the ace, followed by a spade ruff. He continued with the CA, ruffed, and North returned a spade. Rodwell judged that North had to have the HQ, else a heart return by North would leave declarer without any hope.

Rodwell ruffed the spade and ran his trumps, coming down to this ending:

Declarer played the D3 and North threw a spade, while the C8 went from dummy. What should South discard? If he kept both clubs, West could lead the HJ and pin the H10 and so South threw the CQ. Now Rodwell played a club and inserted the H9 when South exited with a heart. USA1 +600.

The stakes were higher at the other table with USA1 East-West:

West North East South

--- 2S Dble 3S

Dble Pass 5C Pass

5D Pass 5H Pass

6D Pass Pass Pass

Lead: S3

When Bob Hamman began with his lowest spade, Zia recognized this as a suit preference lead for a club return. That meant the clubs figured to be 5-0. He therefore took the SA and led a low heart to his nine. Hamman took the HQ and

returned a heart. Zia won with the HJ, ruffed the spade, drew trumps and claimed twelve tricks. That was +1370 and 13 Imps to USA1 (who came second in the

Bermuda Bowl, while USA2 failed to make the final eight)

When you are through learning, you are through.

Tomorrow's problem:

West dealer : North-South vulnerable

West North East South

Pass 1NT Pass 3H

Pass 4H All pass

What would you lead from:

© 2007 Sydney Morning Herald

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