BRIDGE PUZZLE

BEST PLAYED

Both vulnerable. North deals.

Opening lead: Queen of ♣

Today’s deal is from a recent tournament in Norway, where face-to-face bridge is slowly making a comeback. South was Norwegian Jim Hoyland, who won the prize for bestplayed deal of the tournament for his efforts on this deal.

The opening two-heart bid would be unusual in North America but is common in other parts of the world. The popularity of the Multi Two Diamonds, to show a weak two-bid in either major, has given rise to several new uses for opening bids of two in a major. Hoyland allowed the opening queen-of-clubs lead to hold the first trick, and West shifted to the seven of hearts — low, low, queen. Hoyland casually led the eight of diamonds and West, just as casually, played low. This was a play that West would soon regret.

Hoyland played low from dummy and the eight held the trick!

Hoyland had not only picked up the diamond suit but unblocked it as well. He did not yet have nine tricks, however. He continued with the queen of diamonds to the king and ace. Reading the position perfectly, Hoyland led a heart to his ace and then led his last diamond to dummy’s jack. He cashed dummy’s two established diamonds and discarded two spades from his hand.

Hoyland now led a spade to his jack and West’s queen, but West was forced to lead a black suit and Hoyland had his ninth trick. Beautifully played!