ACES ON BRIDGE

A simple auction sees South at the helm in four spades. North has a hand with four trumps and a source of tricks; the limit raise may be a slight stretch, but the diamond spots argue for aggression. Thereafter, South has no thought of slam, so why tip the opponents off to the best lead?

West leads the heart jack, and the best play is by no means obvious. Declarer is threatened with the loss of four losers if the club honors are badly placed. To avoid the possible threats, he should try to set up the diamonds — but that is not easy. If he fails to diagnose the location of the diamond king, he could fall to defeat.

The best line is to duck the first trick (to cut defensive communications) and win the next heart. Now draw trumps and play the diamond ace, then the diamond jack, running it to West and throwing away the heart eight. If East has the diamond king, declarer avoids losing the second heart. If West has the diamond king and the club ace, declarer will be able to throw two clubs away on the diamonds later on, crossing to dummy in trump at his leisure.

Winning the first heart leaves open an entry for the defense to cross back and forth in that suit and beat the contract if West has the diamond king and both club honors, or only one of the honors but declarer misguesses.

Did you see the defensive resource? East must overtake the first heart, then shift to a club if declarer ducks the trick.

ANSWER: Bid three spades. With so little in the way of quick tricks, it would be premature to commit to a diamond contract. Keep three no-trump in the game with a three-spade stopper-showing call. Partner should infer that you are likely to have diamond support for this bid. This way, you can avoid playing three no-trump facing a club shortage. If you would like to contact Bobby Wolff, email him at bobbywolff@mindspring.com