In the 2011 World Open Teams final, United States vs. the Netherlands, the young U.S. team led early by 35 IMPs. But the Dutch roared back to win with capable play and superior bidding judgment.

In today's deal, both Souths played at four hearts against a diamond lead. When the U.S. sat East-West, East took the ace and led a trump. The Dutch declarer drew trumps, took his king of diamonds, ruffed a diamond in dummy and led a spade to his ten, forcing out West's ace. Declarer later got to dummy to pitch a club on the king of spades. Making four.

HIGH CLUB

At the other table, the Dutch East played the queen on the first diamond. The U.S. declarer won, took the A-K of trumps, led a trump to dummy and returned a spade to his ten. But West won and led a high club: king, five. Declarer could take his queen of spades but had no quick entry to dummy for the king.

Down one, 12 deserved IMPs to the Dutch. After East's good play of the queen of diamonds, four hearts was unmakable.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S K 6 4 H 9 8 4 3 2 D 4 2 C K Q 6. Your partner opens one diamond, you respond one heart and he bids two clubs. What do you say?

ANSWER: To pass might be a winning action, but with two club honors and a possible spade trick, I wouldn't give up on game. Partner may have as many as 18 points. A bid of 2NT would show more strength. Bid two diamonds, a "false preference." Since partner suggests long diamonds, the contract will be playable if he passes.