The Kansas Murder Hand
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ª A 10 6 3© 10 8 5¨ 4§ A 9 8 4 2 |
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ª Q 7 2© A J 3¨ A Q 10 9 2§ J 6 |
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ª 4© Q 9 4¨ K J 7 6 3§ Q 7 5 3 |
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ª K J 9 8 5© K 7 6 2¨ 8 5§ K 10 |
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This is the alleged hand that caused all the trouble. The murder victim was John S. Bennett, who opened the South hand with 1ª, overcalled by West with 2¨ and put directly into game of 4ª by Mrs Bennett sitting North. Unfortunately, Mr Bennett was unable to make the contract and this infuriated his wife who goaded him with remarks about "bum bridge players". A bitter argument ensued; followed by Mrs Bennett taking a revolver from a dresser drawer and firing two shots as Mr Bennett tried to escape to the bathroom. He staggered to a chair saying "She got me" and slumped unconscious to the floor.
In fact on the actual lead of the Ace of diamonds followed by a switch to the Jack of clubs, the contract may be made. Before drawing trumps declarer should establish the club suit after ruffing the last diamond. (ACBL Bridge Encyclopaedia).
Opinion in the USA at the time was that Mr Bennett should not have opened on so weak a hand. In the U.K. many players would be tempted to open as the hand complies with the rule of 19. However, such hands are better if their strength is concentrated in the long suits. The King of clubs replaced by say the Queen and Jack of hearts would give the hand much greater playing strength normally.