Poker Face

5th April – Board 8. Love All. Dealer West.

Just because you have a high card doesn’t mean you have to play it, even against a slam.

	North: S K J 8 6 4 H A J 4 D 3 C A K 10 6
West: S A 7 H 9 7 3 D Q 8 7 5 4 C 7 5 2		East: S Q 10 9 3 H 8 2 D K J 10 9 6 C 4 3
	South: S 5 2 H K Q 10 6 5                D A 2 C Q J 9 8

West	North	East	South
No	1S	No	2H
No	4D	No	5D
No	6H	End

Remember that 2H over 1S always shows at least a five card suit so North is entitled to raise to game via a splinter. South is certainly worth a try and 5D fits the bill, showing no first round control in the black suits but still interested in a slam and North duly obliges. On a non-spade lead declarer will draw trumps after ruffing a diamond, cash his clubs and ultimately lead a low spade. West has been preparing for this moment of course and must retain a poker face and play low smoothly. Faced with a fifty-fifty chance of playing West for either the ace or the queen, half the time he will guess wrong and insert the knave.