BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

You are West, declarer in 2NT against which North leads a low club, which you win in dummy. Plan the play. LOOKInG at your hand you realise that on point count you should be in 3nT but you have only seven top tricks and will have to establish another one to make even 2nT.

You could try for a 3-3 diamond break and get the extra trick that way, but it might fail you, and then you would not have time to go for something else.

The certain way to succeed is to go for hearts straight away. Between you and dummy you have only the ♥ AK missing, and two rounds will certainly establish one trick for you.

If by any chance the opponents hold up their tops, you will have your extra trick and can abandon the suit and go for your other seven tricks.