Observer-Reporter – Jul 25, 1994
North-South Vulnerable West Deals
Opening lead: 
K
None of those bridge maxims we learned when we started playing the game are etched in stone. They are designed to cover generalities, and in the majority of cases they are useful guidelines. If there is one that is almost inviolable, it’s “never trump your partner’s ace.” H.G. Webster’s cartoons perfectly captured the riotous reactions that followed when this unpardonable sin was committed. Yet…
The auction is noteworthy in two respects. Since North had made a takeout double originally, the free raise to two spades showed the equivalent of a better-than-minimum opening bid. As a result, South did not pussyfoot around, but made a full-blooded raise to game.
Sitting East was the late Helen Sobel, the greatest woman player the game has known. Her partner led the king of hearts and, when that won, continued with the ace. Most defenders would routinely discard on this trick. The best West could do would be to continue with a heart, but declarer would ruff high in dummy, cash two high trumps, then discard two clubs on high diamonds.
Thereafter, declarer could crossruff a diamond and heart, concede a club and claim that balance with two high trumps in hand.
Unfortunately, for South, Mrs. Sobel was no ordinary defender. If was obvious that if the contract were to be defeated, the defenders would need tricks in clubs. So East ignored the axiom and ruffed her partner’s ace of hearts as an entry for a club shift.
Two club tricks put a quick end to declarer’s aspirations.
BY Omar Sharif & Charles Goren