Bridge

South ruffed the diamond continuation, crossed to the king of spades and, hopefully, led a trump. East hopped with the ace but eleven tricks were now secure when West followed suit, N-S +650.

South's 7-5 pattern was not conducive to defending and he continued to five hearts when West advanced to five diamonds. He rejected slam because partner would need to display the king of spades and the ace of hearts. North could own few values, given that East's heart cue bid disclosed a limit raise of diamonds. West would lose two spades and a club in a diamond contract when North selects the nine of hearts as an opening shot. Therefore, a six diamond sacrifice would show a profit because a doubled two-trick set awards N-S with only 500 points. Unfortunately, East had high hopes of defeating five hearts since partner had promised an opening bid with the two-level overcall. Suppose that West elected to venture six diamonds. What would be South's reaction if North passed?

He might fear that the minor suit slam would be successful and bid six hearts!

North should double six diamonds to prevent partner from taking a phantom save.

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

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