bridge

South played low from the table as East put up the king and switched to the queen of clubs. West won the ace to return another club for the king. Declarer cashed the ace and king of hearts to run the spade winners, discarding two diamonds. East ruffed the fourth spade with the jack of hearts as South parted with a third diamond. The contract was down one since declarer still had to lose two diamonds and the heart queen, N-S -50. South could emerge with eight tricks by winning the ace of spades ( the king was clearly offside) to play a diamond. East will likely win the ace and switch to a club. West takes the ace to exit with a club for the king. Declarer plays another diamond where a diamond ruff in dummy will furnish a chance to bring home the contract.

N-S had landed in an eminently playable contract on this misfit.

1NT was forcing but South converted partner's two club rebid to two hearts without much confidence. The display of the doubleton king of hearts was a blessing.

East held the best hand at the table but declined to participate in the auction. In truth, E-W did not have a fit and it is not clear that East could even make 1NT.

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

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