NEW CANADIAN BRIDGE

West selected the spade three and declarer could claim twelve tricks by driving out the ace of hearts, N-S +1440. The opening lead had been a dismal failure on this deal. West should not choose a spade because partner had failed to double four spades. A heart, which was dummy's suit, would rarely be an effective choice. He must then pick a minor where the queen of clubs is suggested and the slam would finish two in the glue. South had adopted an aggressive approach in the auction, to be sure, but he held a solid seven-card suit and partner had promised a hand of 19+ HCP. It is very doubtful that East would have found a club lead if North had become declarer in the NT slam. South might have settled into six diamonds instead but, at matchpoints, opted for the highest scoring contract. In this scenario, West might then have chosen the queen of clubs as an opening salvo as the best chance to defeat the contract. His reward would be a one-trick set.

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