bridge

All Opening Pass Lead: ♦3

East won the diamond ace to return another as declarer played off the top spades without success. He cashed another diamond and followed with three club winners before exiting with a trump for the queen. The thirteenth club was ruffed and a heart was advanced towards the table. When West contributed the deuce, South called for dummy's ten and the game was home when East produced the ace, N-S +420. Declarer could have recorded an overtrick with a peek at the defenders' hands. He begins spades with the jack. If East covers, he wins the king and continues with the ace, dropping West's ten, and plays West for the heart queen. 3NT yields a probable ten tricks on this layout when declarer plays spades in normal fashion. The defense scores only the red-suit aces and the queen of spades. However, 3NT is virtually impossible to reach unless North chooses to bid 1NT (forcing). According to their agreements, South will either boost to 3NT or perhaps venture a forcing 2NT. North is likely to settle for the ninetrick game with a balanced 8 HCP to earn his side an excellent matchpoint award. South cannot consider a leap to 3NT after the spade raise, holding two small hearts. Author: Dave Willis - visit his website at www.insidebridge.ca

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