Neither side vulnerable.

This deal occurred in a national mixed-pair championship some years ago.

Our sympathy is extended to the West player in this deal, who was the victim of a foul deed perpetrated by South, a member of the fair sex. West’s name must remain anonymous, though it can be stated that he ranks among the mightiest of the mighty.

West led a diamond against four spades, South winning East’s queen with the ace. Declarer cashed the K-A of trump and, after finding the suit divided 2-2, made the diabolical lead of the deuce of diamonds toward dummy’s nine.

Poor West could not believe declarer would make such a play holding the K-10 of diamonds. Anxious to get a club return from partner, West played his eight, expecting East to win with the ten or king.

One can only imagine West’s shock when the nine won the trick, and his further chagrin when South next led a club to the ace and discarded dummy’s 9-6-5 of clubs on the K-10-7 of diamonds. When the smoke cleared, South had made all 13 tricks for a top score.

The architect of this inspired play, which might lose a trick but might also gain one, was Mrs. Godfrey Stone of Detroit. West, as we said before, shall remain nameless.

Tomorrow: >> Famous Hand.

Steve Becker

Neither side vulnerable.

This deal occurred in a national mixed-pair championship some years ago.

Our sympathy is extended to the West player in this deal, who was the victim of a foul deed perpetrated by South, a member of the fair sex. West’s name must remain anonymous, though it can be stated that he ranks among the mightiest of the mighty.

West led a diamond against four spades, South winning East’s queen with the ace. Declarer cashed the K-A of trump and, after finding the suit divided 2-2, made the diabolical lead of the deuce of diamonds toward dummy’s nine.

Poor West could not believe declarer would make such a play holding the K-10 of diamonds. Anxious to get a club return from partner, West played his eight, expecting East to win with the ten or king.

One can only imagine West’s shock when the nine won the trick, and his further chagrin when South next led a club to the ace and discarded dummy’s 9-6-5 of clubs on the K-10-7 of diamonds. When the smoke cleared, South had made all 13 tricks for a top score.

The architect of this inspired play, which might lose a trick but might also gain one, was Mrs. Godfrey Stone of Detroit. West, as we said before, shall remain nameless.

Tomorrow: >> Famous Hand.

Steve Becker