Wonder Woman

When my great friend Stefan Back wrote his story about Daniela von Arnim entitled Super Mom, it gave me the idea for a series based on the famous Marvel comic books that featured such heroes as Superman, Batman & Robin, Flash, Green Lantern, The Incredible Hulk and so on.

One of my favourites was the daughter of the Queen of the Amazons, Wonder Woman. She lives on the uncharted Paradise Island, home of an immortal race of Amazons. An incredible chain of events begins with the Queen of the Amazons sending her daughter to the outside world to champion good and combat evil. Like Superman she disguises her real identity, adopting the persona of a secretary, Diana Prince. In the television series she was played by Linda Carter.

If Wonder Woman played bridge she would be brilliant as well as beautiful. Here in Salsomaggiore you can make your own decision as to whom should play the role, but for the purpose of my story it goes to none other than….

Hang on a minute, the identity of Wonder Woman is supposed to be a secret!

The gentle art of deception is not regarded as being a supernatural power, but of course it plays a part in our hero's armoury. Take a look at this deal:

	ª 6 © A 8 2 ¨ K Q 10 8 6 3 § 10 9 7
	ª 10 4 3 © 5 3 ¨ A 9 7 5 § A K 6 5

After West opens One Spade you find yourself in Five Diamonds. When East leads the eight of clubs prospects look poor.
Can you see any possibilities?

You win in dummy with the ace, dropping the nine from hand, play a trump to your hand and duck a heart. West wins with the jack and plays back the queen of clubs. You have to take that with the king in dummy and this time you follow with the ten from hand. Now you cash the ace of hearts, ruff a heart, draw the last trump and play the five of clubs. When you open your eyes you find the seven has taken the trick.

Board 8. Dealer West. None Vul.
	ª 6 © A 8 2 ¨ K Q 10 8 6 3 § 10 9 7
ª A K 9 5 © K Q J ¨ J 4 § Q J 4 2		ª Q J 8 7 2 © 10 9 7 6 4 ¨ 2 § 8 3
	ª 10 4 3 © 5 3 ¨ A 9 7 5 § A K 6 5

Of course, West should not be deceived, as she has seen partner play the eight and then the three, but the mind can play strange tricks. Who then is our Wonder Woman?

Well, that will have to be our little secret, won't it Sabine?