CONTRACT BRIDGE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 285, 2 December 1938, Page 8

CONTRACT BRIDGE.

FINE DEFENSIVE PLAY.

(By THE FOUR ACES.)

Sir S*' nll el Joseph, before sailing to h* 'native England, did much to correct our impression that practically all Englishmen are mediocre bridge players. During his stay here Sir Samuel engaged in many bridge duels with the New York experts, and acquitted himnelf creditably. In particular, his defensive play is especially fine, as may be seen from the below.

The hands were quite similar in one respect —North held the Ace of the opponents' suit and a singleton Club. He should undoubtedly have doubled five Hearts, and the opening lead of his. singleton Club would have defeated that contract one trick. Sir Samuel, who also held the opponents' Ace of trumps and a singleton, doubled five Spades, and opened the seven of Diamonds. This was covered by dummy's right, and declarer captured East's King and pla'yed the King of Spades.

After winning with the Ace, Sir Samuel considered the situation. From the opening lead he could see that any Diamond honours in his partner's hand would be trapped. In addition, he was certain that declarer held a singleton Heart. •' Hence, only one ho[>e remained. While declarer might l>e given an overtrick, the gamble wa6 worth while, and Sir Samuel underlcd his Ace of Clubs in an effort to get hk partner on lead. This fine play was well rewarded, as East was then enabled to give Sir Samuel a ruff, and the contract was set. — (Copyright by "The Four Aces.")