BRIDGE

East won the king but shifted to the jack of clubs for the queen and king. West returned a club but South drew trump and drove out the ace of diamonds to score ten tricks, N-S +170.

North's bits and pieces were just enough to make the major suit game a good contract. Partner's takeout double followed by the introduction of hearts did indeed promise a strong hand with at least five hearts. However, North did not entertain any notion of a raise to game. He owned modest heart support but virtually nothing else of value although the ten of diamonds proved to be a valuable card.

South might have offered a second takeout double but this action would cause partner to bid three clubs. South, undoubtedly, would convert this advance to three hearts but this sequence is unlikely to convince North to bid the major suit game. Perhaps South should have cue bid three spades as Michaels to disclose a monster hand with hearts and a minor. This action would force North, who holds a virtual Yarborough, to venture four hearts.

This was a difficult deal for N-S to reach their par. 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. Copyright 2018 Torstar Syndication Services