In tournament circles, every expert has a favorite story about his encounter with a pair of beginners who have decided to test the waters against the pros. Often these stories relate how the newcomers managed to put one over on the experts.

One of these tales goes back to the time many years ago when two novices, bubbling with excitement, sat down to play against two celebrated Life Masters in a pair championship.

It wasn’t really surprising that, as soon as the bidding was over, Novice No. 2 (East) led the queen of diamonds out of turn. The director was summoned and ruled that South could call the lead of any suit — that was the rule in those days — or treat the queen as an exposed card.

South directed West to lead a club, but Novice No. 1, somewhat embarrassed, stated he didn’t have one to lead. Having chosen his penalty, even though West could not comply, declarer had no further recourse. Novice No. 1 was now told he could lead anything at all.

So he shrewdly led a low diamond, knowing that his partner had the queen. East won with the jack — the queen was now back in his hand — and returned a club, the suit West said he had none of.

West ruffed and led another low diamond to East’s queen, whereupon a second club ruff gave the defenders their fourth trick. All over the room declarers were making four or five spades, but at this table declarer went down one, much to his dismay.

The moral — if there is one — is not altogether clear, but South from then on could not help experiencing a certain degree of trepidation whenever he spotted a pair of effusive beginners approaching his table.

Tomorrow >> Famous Hand.

— Steve Becker