Wednesday, 1 June 2016

PSYCHIC LIGHTNER DOUBLE




West’s overcall of two notrumps was as ‘unusual’, indicating a major two-suiter. South’s response of 5 to North’s enquiry of four notrumps showed two key cards with the trump Queen, 7 therefore seemed a sound proposition, but when West produced his Lightner double South decided that 7 notrumps might prove a safer spot.

West led the K, South took it with his A and could count just eleven tricks, and he needed to develop two more. Since West with his Lightner double announced his ability to ruff a club, the two extra tricks could come from clubs.
Alternatively, South could be content to develop one extra club trick and rely on a double squeeze for the thirteenth trick. The latter is by far the better method and has a special appeal for those with suspicious minds.

After winning the A South should cash the A, unblocking
the 8 from table when West shows out as expected. The Q is followed by a diamond to dummy’s J, and 10 is led to force a cover from East (not that it matters if he refuses to cover). South captures the J with the Q and run the rest of diamonds. On the play of last diamond East will have to come down to a singleton spade in order to keep three clubs. South can then discard a club from hand on the last diamond, finesse the 7 and cash the K to squeeze West in the majors.

Why not avoid all this fancy work by running the 10 on the first round, A glance at the complete deal provides the answer.

West’s psychic Lightner double was a brilliant attempt to lead South astray. But in this particular case there is no need to allow West to shine at South’s expense.

Q: Why do blondes smile when there’s lightning?
A: They think they’re getting their picture taken.

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