Bridge

East topped dummy's queen with the ace but switched to the jack of spades. Declarer won the ace, drew trump and played off the ace and king of clubs for a surprising result, NS +680.

South was not about to risk the contract by taking a club finesse. He was assured of an overtrick by putting up the king of clubs and discarding a spade on the diamond winner. A club hook loses and the defense would cash two spades to earn a one-trick set. The fall of the club queen was a bonus, resulting in an improbable twelve tricks. Curiously, the spade queen would appear to be the most effective beginning but this start may not alter the result.

South will probably duck but win the continuation and reel off a a good number of trump. He switches to the top clubs intending to ruff a club hoping to fell the queen and then play a diamond. If the defender with the ace holds no more spades, an overtrick will be home.

Declarer actually scores another twelve tricks when the club queen drops doubleton. Some South players would open with a demand two-bid since South is virtually assured of nine tricks at hearts. However, slam is unlikely to be reached because North holds a singleton heart.

Questions on bridge can be sent with a stamped, self-addressed envelope to The New Canadian Bridge c/o Torstar Syndication Services, One Yonge St., Toronto, M5E 1E6.