BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

AFTER bidding 1 ♦ -1 ♥ - 2NT - 3NT, you (West) lead, for want of anything better, the ♠ 4. East wins with the ♠ A and returns the ♠ 7, on which declarer plays the ♠ 10. Plan the defence. IF YOU are thinking of continuing spades, what’s the use? you have no possible entry, even if a further lead would clear the suit.

obviously you win the return, and now you must take stock. if you want to defend passively at this point, you can exit with a third spade — even though there will be no prospect of you making your established suit.

This play will almost certainly give declarer time to set up his contract. He may be able to make nine tricks whatever you do, but at least you can play for the remote chance that partner has a club suit that can be established. if so it’s crucial that you take advantage of being on lead and keep the tempo by leading ♣ 10.

a quick count of the known points indicates that partner has 11-12HCPs (11 for you and dummy + 17 for declarer). He has already shown up with ♠ a and you’ll be in business if his remaining values are ♣ KQ and ♥ K, or ♥ Q.