Everyone is a winner - almost
By Djanwar Modjolelo
Dealer : South Vulnerable: None
NORTH
(S) A 9 8
(H) J 6
(D) Q 5 4
(C) A Q 9 4 2
WEST EAST
(S) 10 6 3 (S) K 7 4 2
(H) Q 10 5 4 (H) 9 8 3
(D) K 8 (D) J 10 7 6
(C) J 7 6 3 (C) K 10
SOUTH
(S) Q J 5
(H) A K 7 2
(D) A 9 3 2
(C) 8 5
WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH
Chemla Rohowsky Perron Reps
- - - 1D
Pass 2C Pass 2NT
Pass 3NT All Pass
This hand is a nice example of good play by both the declarer and the defense.
Chemla (France) led a natural if unfortunate low Heart won by dummy's Jack, and it is worth considering how one would proceed as Declarer from here.
Klaus Reps (Germany) found the excellent shot of a low Club from dummy, but Perron played Club 10 in perfect tempo, which held the trick.
Back came a second Heart, and Reps won the Heart Ace to play a second club.
He took some time over his decision, but eventually played dummy's Club Queen (which is only wrong if Perron has ducked from Club King 10 doubleton); a third round of Hearts left Reps without resource.
In passing, it is worth noting that the contract and opening lead were the same at the other table in this match.