BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

WeSt is declarer in 6Nt and North leads the ♥ K. Plan the play. I’VE featured several similar play problems previously because they offer a simple exercise in hand- counting. Being able to count the opponents’ cards in each suit as they are played is a fundamental skill in good declarer play.

In the above example, you have 11 certain tricks, and 12 if the ♣ J falls in three rounds. So, the only risk to your contract is that one opponent may hold ♣ J 9 x x.

Before playing off clubs, it costs you nothing to find out what you can about the opponents’ distribution. First, make the standard play of ducking the opening lead, to rectify the count. north continues with ♥ Q and you note that South discards a spade.

You win and set about what is known as a discovery play. Cash three spades and three diamond winners and let’s assume both opponents follow suit each time.

You’ve already got sufficient information to make your contract, without even cashing the fourth diamond.

north has shown up with five hearts, three spades and three diamonds and, therefore, has no more than a doubleton club.

The rest is easy: play ♣ A and a club to the king; if knave hasn’t appeared, you can safely take the finesse on the next round. South held ♠ 75432 ♥♦ 8 864 ♣ J 9 6 5. note that if north held ♣ J 9 x x, as well as the heart suit, you’d be able to catch him in an inescapable squeeze.