BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

YOU are South declarer in 3NT and West leads ♣ 6. How would you play? TRICK One is the time to think! If you let the lead run round to your ♣ Q, you will certainly win two club tricks.

But what happens if East has ♣ K and switches to a spade at Trick Two; then you subsequently fail to pick up ♦ Q?

It’s by no means certain North’s lead is away from the king, so it is folly to risk going down when you can count nine certain tricks (four diamonds, three hearts and two black aces).

Rise immediately with the ace, then play ♦ K and run ♦ J, if not covered. If West wins, he may continue with clubs, so you still make your overtrick.