CANADIAN BRIDGE

Declarer put up dummy's jack on which East contributed the heart five. Six diamond winners followed, on which South discarded a spade and two clubs. The last diamond pinched West who had parted with two spades and two clubs. A heart pitch would permit declarer to drive out the ace of clubs since the defense would only be able to cash three heart tricks. West elected to throw a spade on the last diamond but South countered by cashing the ace of spades dropping the king, N-S +600.

Declarer could not afford to play a club at trick at trick two. West would win the ace and continue with the ace of hearts to run the suit for a one-trick set. West could reason that partner's heart five at trick one was the beginning of an echo showing four-card length. A spade lead would permit South to score at least eleven tricks. South wins the queen and dislodges the ace of clubs. West must cash the ace of hearts, in this scenario, to prevent South from winning twelve tricks.

West's decision to offer a takeout double was odd in view of the fact that South's two club response was forcing to game. East could not hold any values!

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.