BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

SoutH is declarer in 4 ♥ and West leads ♣ Q, covered by the king and East’s ace. How would you continue the play after successfully ruffing the third round of clubs? THE only point of this hand is that you mustn’t lose two trump tricks, which is just possible if West holds ♥ QJxx and you play carelessly.

Though this is a 5 per cent chance, it will only cost a trick to make a safety play if trumps break 2-2 (40 per cent). The more probable is 3-1. The safe play is to lead ♥ 2 to dummy’s 9, unless north plays an honour.