Merrimac Coup

This deal from the match between USA2 and Sweden in Round 12 of the Venice Cup featured sparkling defence at both tables.

Board 11. Dealer South. None Vul.
	♠ A Q ♥ Q J ♦ 10 6 4 3 ♣ A K 8 5 3
♠ 7 5 2 ♥ K 10 5 ♦ A Q J 8 ♣ Q 9 2		♠ J 9 6 ♥ 9 6 4 2 ♦ 7 5 2 ♣ J 10 4
	♠ K 10 8 4 3 ♥ A 8 7 3 ♦ K 9 ♣ 7 6

At both tables, North declared 3NT on the lead of the seven of diamonds from Renee Mancuso and Marie Ryman respectively. Both declarers, Catharina Midskog for Sweden and Jo Ann Sprung for USA2, played low so West won the jack.

At trick two, Pam Wittes for USA2 switched to the king of hearts, a Merrimac Coup, the lead of an unsupportedhonour to break up declarer's communications. Midskog could no longer come to more than two spade tricks. She won the ♥A and played on clubs but was one down for Minus 50. At the other table, Jenny Ryman cashed the ace of diamonds at trick two then switched to a club. Jo Ann Sprung won the club, unblocked the ace and queen of spades, and passed the queen of hearts. Ryman won the king of hearts and played a second club. Declarer had nine tricks but there was no way to disentangle them. She too was one down for Minus 50 and a flat board. Two equally effective defences, one spectacular, one simple, but the same contract was successful when also played by North at a number of other tables.