BRIDGE

July 12

West continued with the king of clubs and delivered the ruff to defeat the game, N-S -50. West had psyched by bidding two spades in an effort to muddy the waters hoping to talk the opponents out of a spade contract. The bulk of the blame for this result clearly lies on North's shoulders. He could have doubled two spades for penalty to show values or advanced to 3NT when partner backed in with three diamonds revealing a strong hand. East is likely to begin with a fourth best heart versus 3NT where North will swiftly cash out eleven tricks. A spade lead is a possibility, given the auction, that would restrict declarer to one overtrick. East had no idea that partner was not telling the truth. But it will not be an easy task for the defense to score their four top tricks.

West's tactical bid had the effect of steering N-S to the wrong game but this action should have been brushed aside by North to reach the nine-trick game.

If two spades had been doubled, West would swiftly have retreated to the safety of hearts where East would scramble a minimum of eight tricks.

The minor suit game might still be reached when West elects to immediately boost to four hearts. 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.