The Telegram (St. John's)

BRIDGE

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Declarer ruffed in dummy, drew trump with the king and jack of spades and followed with the top clubs as West discarded a diamond. East won the club continuati­on to return a diamond for partner's ace but the contract was just home, NS +650.

West should definitely advance to six hearts as a potential make or a sacrifice where any loss would be minimal. West's resolve to pass five spades was an egregious error consigning his side to a poor matchpoint award. How would North react to this action?

East would lose two tricks as long as defense swiftly cashes two black aces. However, he would emerge with thirteen tricks when South, unwisely, begins with the singleton diamond in search of a ruff.

Declarer wins the ace, ruffs a low diamond with the ten of hearts and draws trump by playing off the jack and queen of hearts. The queen of diamonds is then advanced for a ruffing finesse, resulting in a rather satisfying thirteen tricks since the heart king remains as the entry to the diamond winners. East will happily dispose of all four black cards for quite an impressive result.

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.

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