Opening lead: 8

I was West, playing in my first Bermuda Bowl with Lew Mathe. I didn't want to lead my singleton spade into South's obvious spade strength, and I figured dummy was short in spades too and the hand might be a crossruff. Fantastic analysis, Bob. So I cleverly led my trump. Benito Garozzo won with the 9, led a trump to the ace and called for the 9 of spades. Lew covered with the jack. Garozzo won the queen, led a club to the ace and another spade to the 8 and 10. Then came the ace of spades and a spade ruff with the jack of hearts, a heart finesse to the 10, the king of hearts (pulling the last trump, the queen) and the 6 of spades, his tenth winner. We took the last three tricks.

I won't describe Lew's attitude toward me at the end of this deal, since this is a family website. Needless to say, his instructions to his partners for the rest of his life, "Never lead a trump," now had a solid foundation to stand on...."like Hamman did to me back in the 1966 Bermuda Bowl..."

My tip: Beware of the trump lead...beware!

(1) Could be four cards.
(2) A pessimistic pass, afraid of a 2 rebid from partner!