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This hand was dealt in an Open Pairs at the
Spring Nationals in Reno, Nevada. Those
players who smartly doubled for takeout,
instead of overcalling 2, usually survived
when West bid spades and East bid 2. But
those who made a conservative 2 overcall
were really sorry. West made a negative
double and East left it in. The 10 of hearts
won the first trick, and West continued with
the 5 of hearts to East's ace and jack, West
discarding a club. East shifted to the 3 of
clubs and declarer won his first trick.

It wasn't fun from this point - for South, that is.
The king of diamonds went to the ace, and East
led spades through. Ugh. West got on lead twice
to give partner two club ruffs. It wasn't over yet.
East then led a fourth round of hearts, promoting
a trump trick. Declarer had Q-J-6-3, West had
the 7 and East the 10-8. That meant four tricks,
count 'em, only four, for South, and 1100 to
East-West. I suppose I should have sat you
in one of the defenders' chairs to make you feel
better. In any case, do you think declarer in 2
doubled could have done any better? (Answer
below.)

Answer: Only if he had stayed in bed. Even if
he doesn't lead the king of diamonds at trick
five, East can get his two club ruffs and exit
in hearts. Eventually the 7 of trump promotes
a trump trick. Try it.

Have a nice weekend!