A Touch of Elegance.
Spades may be Joe Six-Pack's card game, but there are still opportunities for artistry. Bidding in fourth chair, South was not at all deterred from raising the table total to 13 tricks. After all, he had the big spade suit. The ace of hearts won the first trick and the heart continuation went to North's king. North played the king of clubs, winning, and tried the queen, which also held. Then he shifted to the jack of diamonds (a heart would have made life easier for South).East won the ace and king, noting partner's queen, and continued with the nine of diamonds in this position: |
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South could still afford to lose two tricks but not three. If he ruffed with an honor, West's spades would be promoted to three winners. If South ruffed with a low or middle card, West would overruff, lead a club for East to trump, and still be able to take the setting trick in spades. South found an elegant solution. On East's nine of diamonds, South pitched the ace of clubs! West ruffed (to prevent North from winning) and returned a club, but South overruffed East and laid down the ace and king of spades, conceding only one more trick to West. A fine finish. |
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6
K J 7 6
J 10 7 2
K Q J 10