A Puzzle

South won in hand, drew trump and finished the clubs, discarding a heart from hand. A diamond to the ten lost to the queen but declarer could claim an overtrick, conceding the ace of diamonds.

The opening lead was not well chosen and would rarely be an effective choice. East would be very unlikely to own a black suit ace.

West should, therefore, begin with a heart in the hope that

each opponent holds one heart. Since partner opened with a vulnerable weak two-bid, it is a virtual certainty that he owns the heart king.

West should, therefore, select a fourth best one in an effort to put partner on lead. East would then be able to switch to a diamond through South's presumed king.

This defense would work like a charm when East scores a third round diamond ruff to set the contract.

Four hearts was icy with the diamond king onside but West could hardly consider a further advance at adverse vulnerability.

The question remains as to why South ventured four spades when North offered a penalty double. Perhaps

North's double was negative? North should simply have advanced to the spade game over four hearts.

Author: Dave Willis - visit his website at www.insidebridge.ca

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