BRIDGE

PLAYING Pairs, 3NT by East would be the most comfortable contract on this deal. However, when that level gets passed in the auction, it is tempting to play in a risky slam, because minor suit games score so poorly when overtricks are available.

So West plays here in 6♣ and has the good fortune to see ♥A lead followed by a small heart which you win with dummy’s king and discard a spade. How would you continue the play?

Your only worries are bad breaks — especially 4-1 in trumps. Start by playing ♦A and ruffing a diamond low, then ♣Q, and small trump to ace. If both opponents have followed, ruff ♦9 with ♣J and return to hand with ♠A to draw the last trump and claim the rest.

When an opponent shows out on the second round of trumps, you have to give up the second diamond ruff and hope for a 4-3 break in that suit (odds on). Instead you lead another trump to the knave, back to ♠A, draw the last trump and, if diamonds don’t break, you still have the spade finesse available as a last resort.