NEW CANADIAN BRIDGE

East rose with the ace and cleared the suit by returning the five of spades. The continuation of the king of clubs felled the queen and South finished the clubs, discarding a diamond from the closed hand.

West pitched two diamonds, a heart and a spade but East threw a spade and a diamond. Declarer continued with a diamond for the queen and ace and tried to run the hearts without success. An overtrick was in the bank, N-S +630. East had wisely retained four hearts, mirroring dummy's length, to prevent a second overtrick.

The 1NT opening was a reasonable description with the 2,2,5,4 pattern that culminated in the nine-trick game. Another advantage of opening 1NT is that this action makes it more difficult for the opponents to compete. A minor suit opening allows West to enter the waters at a lower level.

If South opens one diamond and raises partner's gameforcing two club response, North will continue with three hearts. South will swiftly convert to 3NT but this sequence would ensure a spade lead from West.

Five clubs would also be successful where North would lose only a spade and a diamond. However, a result of +600 would not compare favorably with the actual one.

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