Grosvenor Coup

Do you remember what a Grosvenor Coup is? When an opponent makes a play that gives you your contract, but you don't

believe him so you go down anyway, you have been the victim of a Grosvenor Coup. Alan Truscott, bridge newsman supreme

for the New York Times, dropped by to tell us of his victimization. It came during a Spingold match.

Dlr: S Q76

Vul: H Q84

D 75

C AQJ32

S AK52 S T9843

H T H K72

D AKQ98 D T6

C 987 C T54

S J

H AJ9653

D J432

C K6

WEST NORTH EAST SOUTH

1D Dbl Pass 4H

All Pass

West started with the DK and switched to the SK. Next came the DA, and partner completed a low-high, which in their

methods said, "Come on. I like this suit."

Well, West paused for a considerable time before playing . . . the SA! He did NOT lead a diamond for a possible ruff

by partner.

Truscott ruffed this, of course, and now he could make his contract by taking a trump finesse through East.

But of course he did NOT take the finesse. Why didn't West continue with a third diamond after getting the positive

signal from partner? Why, of course! West must have the singleton HK and doesn't want to give away its position by

leading a diamond. Declarer would ruff with the queen, and when East couldn't cover with the king, the position would

be clear.

So, suiting thought to action, Truscott put the HA on the table. He wasn't happy when West followed with the 10.

Suddenly he was back where he was before -- down one.

Chalk up another one for the Grosvenor Coup.