Stop That Ruff!
| North |
 K J 2 |
 K J 7 3 2 |
 Q 3 |
 A 4 2 |
| West |
| 10 8 7 4 |
| 9 8 5 |
| K J 4 |
| Q 8 6 |
|
|
| East |
| 9 6 5 |
| -- |
| A 10 9 8 7 2 |
| J 10 9 7 |
|
| South |
| A Q 3 |
| A Q 10 6 4 |
| 6 5 |
| K 5 3 |
| The bidding: |
|
| West |
North |
East |
South |
| 2 |
3 |
2 |
4 |
|
West led the 9
|
Everyone knows there is only one way to stop enemy ruffs. If you can do it yourself, don't leave it up to Partner.
East recognized the lead as top-of-nothing so it would be correct to
trump. He returned the jack of clubs which rode to North's ace. Although North was experienced enough to know the situation
called for a spade lead, he was reluctant to lead away from the KJ2. He continued clubs to put Partner in.
Similarly, South did not like leading spades from AQ3. Accordingly, he led a third club, taken by the queen. Now East got a second heart ruff, cashed the ace of diamonds, and
led to West's king. A third heart lead was ruffed for the setting trick.
To stop enemy ruffs, spades must be led. Either North or South could have saved the day.
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