bridge

Declarer topped the queen with the ace and led a diamond for the nine and ten. East returned the five of hearts for the king, on which dummy parted with a club. South continued with a diamond allowing West to win the king. The heart exit was taken by the nine as another club was discarded from the table. A diamond to the ace was followed by a spade to the jack and dummy was entered with the ace of clubs to cash the last two diamonds. East was squeezed in the black suits and elected to throw the king of clubs. Declarer won the last two tricks with the ace of spades and queen of clubs, N-S +660.

West had erred by returning a heart after winning the king of diamonds since he knew that South held the the king-jacknine. He should switch to a club, holding declarer to ten tricks.

North's three heart response disclosed a singleton (not the ace or king), 5-4 in the minors and three spades with game values. South, who held a concentration of strength in hearts, signed off at 3NT. West should not lead a heart since South must be well stocked in that suit and partner had not doubled the artificial call.

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.