ON THE RISE

The given auction begs some questions. Unfortunately, we don’t have access to the system notes or to the players that might answer those questions. Anyway, the play’s the thing. South was 15-year old Nicolai Helberg-evenstad, from Norway, who has been building a good reputation over the last two years. He appears on the verge of becoming a break-out star.

The opening spade lead went to East’s king, and West was allowed to win his queen on the second round of the suit. A third spade went to dummy’s ace as South, shed a low heart. The jack of clubs was covered with the king and Helberg-evenstad ran off four club tricks. West, who overcalled in diamonds, rated to have the top honors in that suit, so declarer led a low diamond from his hand as West won with the queen.

West had no good exit, but he tried a low heart to the queen and ace. Helberg-evenstad cashed the ace of diamonds and led another diamond to West’s king. West was endplayed for a second time and tried another heart, this time to declarer’s 10. HelbergEvenstad made his contract with one spade, three hearts, one diamond, and four clubs. Nicely done!