Written by Jeff Smith

Some players are just lucky..........

Take this team-of-eight match, Lancaster v Bolton, in the Lancashire league when a truly remarkable play occurred. Our Hero was sitting South and the bidding went:

W	N	E	S
1D	-	1H	2C
2D	-	3C	-
3NT	-	-	-

                        East (dummy)

                        S A64
                        H AQ1097
                        D 1032
                        C Q63

		South
		S 83
		H 52
		D A74
		C AJ10872

Before continuing with the story let me give you some inside information. The game was played at Lancaster BC in a rather dark, murky corner. And the cards were that old fashioned design of the '60s before Waddington cornered the market. Do you remember the type, with flowery 2s, 5s and 7s, beautifully embroidered on the cards? Our Hero's sight is not what it once was. Although his thick lenses augmented his fading sight, the grease smears did not!

Anyway, back to the game. Our Hero throws the D4; a clear McKenny signal for clubs................ At least it was until the DA hit the baize. Our Hero looks down and recoils in horror at seeing his beloved ace laying there for all to see.

Well played Old Four eyes, the only discard to beat the contract since declarer cannot establish 9 tricks without letting North in with a spade, heart or diamond to lead a club through. This was the full layout:

	S Q1097
	H K864
	D J65
	C 95
S KJ52		S A64
H J3		H AQ1097
D KQ986		D 1032
C K4		C Q63
	S 83
	H 52
	D A74
	C AJ10872

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