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Moller's Fork

A simple but well timed declarer play is like a work of art. In a friendly match played at Brighton, Steen Moller and Lars Blakset faced the two Davids, Price and Burn.

Moller showed us fine timing on this difficult 3NT hand.

			Blakset
			K 9 6 2
			Q 9 3
			Q 10 3 2
			K 5
	Burn	N W E S			Price
	A J 10 8 2				4
	10 8 6				A J 7 4 2
	7 5				J 8
	J 7 3				Q 10 8 4 2
			Moller
			Q 7 5
			K 5
			A K 9 6 4
			A 9 6

Price was able to double a Stayman enquiry from North so Burn led 3. Declarer took this in dummy, returned to hand with a high diamond and lead towards the K. Note this neat play. If West holds the ace he must duck or the two top spades give the contract. If East does but the aces are split, South can duck the club return and cut communication to cash the long club suit. A major lead from the table at trick two would lead to defeat.

It is quiet plays and attention to detail that mark out a great player. It is interesting to note that Moller has been 'capped' for his country probably more than any other player in any sport.