Intermediate Players Challenge of the Month OUT OF HAND BY BILL BUTTLE ♠ A 10 9 2 ♥A83 ♦A8 ♣AQ54 ♠KJ7653 ♥J5 ♦6 ♣K982 West 3♥ Pass North Dbl 6♠ East South Pass 4♠ All Pass You did well in the evaluation of your hand and partner showed confidence in you by bidding the slam. West starts with the ♥K. Do you see any obstacles to 12 tricks? "D'you suppose the ACBL ever deducts masterpoints?" Challenge Solution Upcoming Better Bridge Teacher Accreditation Programs Arlington VA (ABA National) August 10-11 Denise Hoffman denisehoffmanemail@gmail.com Palm Springs CA (Regional) December 11 Teri Atkinson teriatk@sbcglobal.net 50 Bridge Bulletin August 2016 If clubs break 3-2 or if West has a singleton ♣10 or ♣J, you will have an easy road to 12 tricks. Do you see the way if clubs do not lie favorably for you? Start by cashing the ♠A - if either opponent has a void in spades, it is highly likely to be West, considering the bidding. Both opponents follow, so you pick up trumps in one more round, East following with the queen. Your next step should be to cash the ♦A and ruff dummy's diamond in your hand. Now start on the clubs, playing low from hand. West follows with the ♣7 and you win the ace. West discards on the ♣Q and now 12 tricks are certain unless West opened 3♥ on a six-card suit. It's time to find out. Play a club to your king and exit with your last club. East wins but has nothing left but diamonds. When East plays one, you discard the ♥J from hand and ruff in dummy. Well played! The full deal: ♠ A 10 9 2 ♥A83 ♦A8 ♣AQ54 ♠8 ♠Q4 ♥ K Q 10 9 6 4 2 ♥7 ♦Q972 ♦ K J 10 5 4 3 ♣7 ♣ J 10 6 3 ♠KJ7653 ♥J5 ♦6 ♣K982 ◾