As loyal chroniclers of Poor Bridge, we find that certain bridge clubs come across our radar a little more often than others. These clubs, not the weakest by any means for we would not go twice to the really bad clubs, seem to have flaws that provide a perfect breeding ground for Poor Bridge. This week's hand was played at a club which has featured on PBOTW before, the previous article actually drawing a complaint from one of its senior players. All we can say at poorbridge.com is: keep up the good work!

East was dealer and at game all had the obligatory weak NT on the table. South overcalled with 2 which ended the auction. (astute readers will note that West has a Bacon Torpedo 2, but the preemptive effect of 2 prevents him from bidding)

So on with the play. West selected a small diamond and declarer played Q, covered by the ace. A second round of diamonds went to the 10 and when K was continued, declarer ruffed low.

Now declarer played J—Q—A—5 to gain access to dummy. A small spade went to Q and 8. Declarer next played A and K to which all followed. And then a small club which he ruffed on table with the 7. This was overruffed with J. East cashed K and declarer pitched a club, kindly rectifying the count for what was to follow.

On the heart continuation declarer ruffed low in hand and played his reminaing club at this position:

The small club forced the Q and East considered the position and found the only play to put declarer in trouble. He ruffed the winning Q and advanced J. Without thought declarer ruffed with 9 and was overruffed.

10 was led and trick 13 was completed by a small heart, A and declarer was forced to underruff the ace of trumps with his king for two off.

They say that aces are for killing kings.

This is absurd declarer play — but I wondered whether any of you have ever seen this before: an underruff by declarer with the trump king at trick 13.

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