BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

YOU have ten easy tricks if clubs break 3-2, and you still make game if they are 4-1. So the danger with this hand is the 4 per cent chance of a 5-0 break.

If West has all the clubs, you’re sunk — but at least you can take the precaution of East holding them. You must be careful to win the first lead with ♥ A, and lead dummy’s club, playing the 10 if East follows. Without your certain entry to hand, you would of course have to play for the 68 per cent chance of a 3-2 break.

Note, by the way, that this South hand is a good example of the conventional Acol 3NT opening bid, i.e. a long, solid minor (seven) without an ace outside.