BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

WeSt is declarer in 5 ♥ , after N-S had bid up to 4 ♠ . How would you play after North leads ♠ K? ThiS is yet another deal from Pairs play, which reveals how ‘reckless’ declarers will be in quest for overtricks. The correct line is to ruff the lead in dummy and immediately finesse ♥ 10. You have a 50 per cent chance of finding South with the knave, but more importantly you need to protect against him holding ♥ Jxxx (14 per cent). You don’t mind north winning this trick, because his continuation can’t damage you.

Let’s assume he switches to a diamond, you win in hand, draw trumps and play diamonds for 11 tricks. The ‘top’ seeker’s line will be to assume a 3-2 break (68 per cent) and start playing top trumps immediately, even ruffing a second spade first.

When this works all the tricks are made; when it fails, 5 ♥ goes at least two down. of course, there is no chance if trumps break 5-0 (4 per cent). north actually held: ♠ KQ10xx ♥ Jxxx ♦ x ♣ AQx. A good tip for Pairs players is to consider whether the opponents can make their contract; if so, then just making yours will get a good score. here, 4 ♠ has no problem.