BRIDGE

South put up dummy's ace, discarded a diamond on the ace of spades and continued with the queen for a ruffing finesse. East's king was ruffed away and followed by the king and ace of hearts. South continued with the jack and ten of spades, discarding a diamond and a club, as West ruffed to play the king of diamonds. South could not avoid the loss of three clubs and the game finished down one, N-S -50. The opening lead had been of critical importance on this deal. Suppose that West chooses to begin with a spade. Declarer inserts the queen and ruffs away the king. He will draw trump, cross to the ace of diamonds and run the spades for an impressive twelve tricks. From West's perspective, a trump could not be right as an opening shot and a spade had little to recommend it. The opening lead of an unsupported ace is rarely a good plan and, therefore, West selected a diamond in the hope that partner would hold the ace or queen. This beginning ensured defeat of the major suit game. North could have responded with a forcing two spades but rejected this action, settling for play in the known 6-2 fit. 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 2017 Torstar Syndication Services