NEW CANADIAN BRIDGE

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

West shifted to a spade for declarer's ace and the ace and king of hearts drew trump. South claimed eleven tricks conceding the ace of clubs, NS +450.

North's spade cue bid functioned as Top and Bottom revealing hearts and clubs which is an improvement over Michaels where the minor would remain a mystery. This pair also had Michaels in their bidding toolkit but only when the opening bid was a minor suit.

North's continuation to five hearts at favorable vulnerability was a two-way bid. Perhaps West might succeed in four spades ( he would) and five hearts would be a save with a minimal loss. Alternatively, partner might be able to bring home eleven tricks at hearts. East should have rocketed into four spades, in my view. What impact would this action have on South?

The knowledge that partner's minor is clubs should convince him to venture five hearts. He holds a perfecto that includes king fourth of hearts, the ace of spades and the valuable king of clubs.

Five spades would be a profitable save where West would not lose more than three tricks but the vulnerability was a strong deterrent.

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.