Junior shines

Today’s deal is from a recent competition held in Denmark. East was a rising young Danish star, 16-year-old Nikolaj Hammelev. Declarer played low from dummy on the opening diamond lead and Hammelev took his king and returned a diamond to dummy’s ace.South, planning to take a heart finesse, led a low heart from dummy. The opponents were obviously in a 4-3 fit, but Hammelev knew the suit was splitting 3-3. Hammelev had a diamond trick and a sure trump trick to come, but how could they defeat this contract? His partner might have a club trick but that was it. Hammelev got creative. Hammelev played the queen of hearts! South took his ace but was now convinced that West held the other five trumps. South led a spade to the ace, cashed the king and ruffed a spade in hand. Hammelev discarded a diamond on the third spade instead of ruffing with the 10 of hearts, furthering the deception. “Knowing” that East had 10 cards in the minors, South led a club to the king and a club back to his jack. West took his queen and led a spade, Now Hammelev ruffed with the 10 of hearts and led a club. East ruffed for the setting trick and the contract was down one. Declarer needed a sedative. Published - October 07, 2026 06:23 pm IST