Stephen Sondheim said, "I played the organ when I went to military school, when I was 10. I loved all the buttons and the gadgets. I've always been a gadget man."

Many bridge partnerships are gadgeteers, loving to use conventions. However, sometimes these give free information to the defense. And, strangely, not having a gadget available occasionally helps the defenders -- as in this deal.

Against three no-trump, West led a fourth-highest club four and East won with his king. What happened next?

With three 10s, North might have jumped to three no-trump. When he only invited game, though, South continued with three hearts. Since North-South were not using New Minor Forcing, North could have had five hearts, and a 5-3 heart fit could have been best.

Many Easts would have led back the club eight in less time than it takes to read this sentence. Then, though, South would have had nine top tricks: one spade, two hearts, four diamonds and two clubs. This East paused to work out South's hand shape.

West's lead marked him with five clubs and South with four. So South had to have started with 2-3-4-4 distribution. Since East had hearts held, there was no rush to play West for five clubs to the A-Q-10. In case South had ace-low-doubleton of spades, East shifted to the spade two. West won with his queen and returned the three (lowest from a remaining odd number). When East played low, South had to win with his ace. Now there was no way to make the contract.

** ** **

COPYRIGHT: 2012, UNITED FEATURE SYNDICATE
DISTRIBUTED BY UNIVERSAL UCLICK FOR UFS