BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

YOu are South, declarer in 4 ♥ against which West leads the ♦ Q. Plan the play. The one thing you must not do is play the hand in a manner which risks east winning a trick and switching to a spade, because, as you can see, if the suit lies unfavourably, this could well cost you three tricks. This in turn means that you mustn’t fall into the trap of finessing for the ♥ Q into east’s hand or playing for the drop. This could mean that east wins a trump trick and will be in a position to make the possibly fatal spade switch.

On the other hand, you don’t mind if West wins with ♥ Q, as he can’t hurt you with a spade switch. If he does, your ♠ k is bound to win. so presume he leads a second diamond. now nothing can stop you from winning four hearts, two diamonds, and four clubs, for the contract.