Dealer: W Vul: Both
NORTH
♠ J95
♥ 10
♦ KJ843
♣ KQJ5
WEST EAST
♠ Q6 ♠ AK1075
♥ K832 ♥ AQ5
♦ 975 ♦ A102
♣ 9764 ♣ 102
SOUTH
♠ 843
♥ J9764
♦ Q6
♣ A82
A necessary skill in playing bridge is the ability to read the cards. For example, on Board 4 in Round 2 of the Teams Championship, South led the two of clubs when defending against 1NT by East. In bridge, the lead of a low card normally shows the possession of an honour card in a three-card suit or longer. Becoming a detective, North can see the four clubs in dummy and another four in hand. Therefore, East can hold only one or two clubs and one is probably the ten. It must be safe to win trick one and return the five of clubs, knowing that partner holds at least three clubs. South wins with the Ace and still has a club to return to North. This way the defenders will win four tricks and hold declarer to nine tricks. John Nankervis and Pat Kelly, the away pair in the Collins team, scored a handy 6 IMPs when the defenders took only three club tricks before surrendering the lead. Declarer then rattled off five spades, three hearts and the Ace of diamonds.
On this deal at another table the contract was 2S by East. This time South made life difficult for partner by leading the six of diamonds in response to North’s opening of 1D. This card told partner nothing. Holding a doubleton in partner’s suit, the correct lead is the honour card. Show partner where it is. The confusion over diamonds allowed declarer to score a second top by winning ten tricks instead of nine.
The Collins team cruised home in Round 2 to defend their title as Teams Champions.
Results, Monday, 27/10/25 (4-table Teams Championship Rd 2) Collins team (99 IMPs) 1; Hart team (53 IMPs) 2. Overall: Collins (99 VPs – a record) 1; Hart (68 VPs) 2. Friday, 31/10/25 (4-table Howell) J. Nankervis P. Kelly (64.9) 1; T. Hinde L. Don (63.1) 2; D. Moran N. McGinness (54.8)
