A crucial 9 of Hearts

By Djanwar Madjolelo

1996 World Bridge Team Olympiad Women Series: Round 13 Board: 11 Dealer: South Vulnerable: None

NORTH

(S) J 10 8 4

(H) J 9 6 2

(D) 9 3

(C) J 6 2

WEST EAST

(S) A K Q 7 (S) 6 3

(H) K Q 4 3 (H) A 10 8 5

(D) A Q 7 (D) K 8 6 4

(C) K 10 (C) A Q 5

SOUTH

(S) 9 5 2

(H) 7

(D) J 10 5 2

(C) 9 8 7 4 3

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

Swanstrom Nicola Smith Gothe Pat Davies

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- - - Pass

2NT Pass 3D Pass

3H Pass 3NT Pass

4C Pass 4D Pass

4NT Pass 5H Pass

7H All pass

2NT showed 22/23 points, 3D was Stayman, 3NT was Slam try agreeing Hearts, two cuebids were followed by Roman Key-Card Blackwood.

This was well-bid by Sweden. At the other table Great Britain had stopped in 6NT so it looked as if the Scandinavians were due to a cash in and make a major gain.

North led the Spade Jack. Declarer won in hand and laid down the Heart King. Nicola Smith promptly dropped the 9, giving Madeline Swanstorm the losing option of playing for this to be a singleton. She followed with a low trump, when Nicola Smith produced a small trump, Swanstrom paused.

She knew the possibilities, but dare not go down when the suit was 3-2, so eventually she put up the Ace and down went the grand slam.

Great Britain won 14 MPs and the Match 20-10. Had Nicola Smith not dropped the Heart 9, Sweden would have won.