Bridge

Wrong Path

South continued with the top diamonds dropping the queen to hopefully advance a low spade towards the jack. His hopes were dashed when East produced the king and returned the eight of hearts. Declarer won the king and played off the ace and queen of spades as West parted with a club. The heart exit threw West on play to cash out the suit but he was compelled to play a club at trick twelve into the ace-queen. However, the contract finished down one, NS -100. Declarer was fortunate to emerge with eight tricks but this was slim consolation for missing out on the minor suit game which yields thirteen tricks with diamonds breaking 2-2 and both black suit kings onside.

North's advance to the ninetrick game might have been correct on another layout but not on this occasion. He could be certain that West would lead a heart where the diamond suit would be dead unless partner held three or more diamonds. A more prudent plan would be to direct the partnership to the minor suit game. Rebids of three diamonds or four diamonds would function as a transfer to hearts but three spades is available as an artificial call to reveal a long minor and a hand ill-suited for NT.