SUNDAY BRIDGE

South topped the ten with the ace to follow with the king & queen of spades but East discarded on the second. West ruffed the heart continuation to return a trump for the ace and the contract drifted down one with the club ace offside, NS -50.

The play had revealed that South held the nine of hearts facilitating West’s decision to ruff the second heart and fire back a trump. The contract was a lead pipe cinch by drawing trump and clearing the heart suit but declarer had visions of bringing home an overtrick. All would have been well if spades had divided 3-2 but hearts were known to be 5-1 which certainly enhanced the chance of a foul trump break. Declarer deserves some sympathy because this deal is from a matchpoint pairs contest.

Another issue is whether East should re-open with a double. He owns only 12 HCP but reasonable support for the minors. Partner is likely to hold a few HCP without heart support. Action is suggested even at unfavorable vulnerability in an effort to push the opponents to a higher level or land in a playable partial. West’s advance to three clubs may end the auction or South may go on to three spades.

West will bring home nine tricks at clubs with careful play. North may play two rounds of spades tapping dummy but declarer will survive by playing two rounds of trump before switching to diamonds.