Is now or never.

The song “Is now or never” was recorded by the King in 1960  sum up the state of our team’s standing. We needed to pull up our socks and make a run if we are to have any chance of reaching the KO stage. 

It was just announced that because of the large number of teams entered, there will be 16 teams in the KO. 

Transnational Team. Round 8. Board 12. Dealer West. N-S Vul.

As South I held ♠ KQ54 ♥ J98 ♦ A4 ♣ KQ95

3♦ on my left, partner pass, 3♥ on my right, I pass.

3♠ on my left-alerted (cue bid in support of hearts), partner pass, 4♦ on my right. 4♠ I said. All pass.

I reasoned that since they have the reds then partner must have the blacks.

The lead was ♦ Q.

This was the deal.

 

Dealer: West Vul: N-S	North ♠ 98632  ♥ 3  ♦ 765  ♣ AJ106
West ♠ AJ  ♥ 1065  ♦ QJ10932  ♣ 74		East ♠ 107  ♥ AKQ742  ♦ K8  ♣ 832
	South ♠ KQ54  ♥ J98 ♦ A4  ♣ KQ95

The play went. Diamond queen, five, king, won  with the ace. Club queen, four, ace, two. Spade two, seven, King, ace. Club seven, jack, three and five. Spade three, ten, queen, jack.

My LHO missed the chance to beat me as he could have played for a trump promotion by leading another diamond when in with the ace of spade.

I made 10 tricks for +620 .

At the other table. After two pass, East open one heart, south made a takeout double. North bid spades and south bid game.

On a hart kng lead they also made 10 tricks for a push.