BRIDGE

January 22

South ruffed the opening lead and drew trump by playing the ace of spades. A spade was led to the jack and followed by a low diamond but East hopped with the king curtailing play, N-S +1430.

North's resolve to offer a splinter had culminated in the laydown slam. His collection was too strong for a preemptive raise to four spades. He, therefore, opted for a passed splinter revealing heart shortness. South reciprocated by disclosing first round control of clubs and North subsequently cuebid the ace of diamonds. South swiftly advanced to the major suit slam confident of success.

West might have muddied the waters by venturing six clubs over five clubs at favorable vulnerability. This action would not be effective because North would likely still cuebid the diamond ace or simply advance to six spades.

A seven club sacrifice would be quite a profitable sacrifice on this deal. East loses, at most, five tricks for a loss of 1100 points. It will not be difficult for North to score a heart ruff but East would have to misguess diamonds to finish down five.

Author: Dave Willis - visit his website at www.insidebridge.ca

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