By Richard Frey
The spectators applauded when Schenken and Rapee conducted a beautiful defense on the following deal:
| ♠ Q J 9 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ♥ 6 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ♦ J 10 6 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ♣ 9 6 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ♠ A 6 4 | ♠ 10 8 5 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| ♥ 9 3 7 | ♥ K J 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| ♦ A Q 9 7 5 | ♦ K 3 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| ♣ A 8 | ♣ K 7 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| ♠ K 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ♥ A Q 10 5 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ♦ 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ♣ Q J 10 4 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Opening lead: ♣A | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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After winning the ace of trumps, Schenken continued by leading the eight. Dummy played low and Rapee made the first brilliant ducking play. He withheld the king and forced declarer to win the trick in his hand.
Declarer led the ♠ K, and now it was Schenken’s turn to make the essential ducking play. When he withheld the ace, declarer had no hope of reaching dummy. He led the ♥ A and continued hearts. East won the Jack, cashed the club king and led a low diamond. In the end South lost two clubs, a diamond, two hearts and one spade for -100. In the other room, South made three clubs for +110. The total swing was a gain of 3 IMPs for New York.
Spectators watch the intercity match on the Bridge O Rama
