Goren on Bridge

The worldwide popularity of “Multi Two Diamonds,” where a two-diamond opening shows a weak two-bid in either major, has prompted a search for the best use of a two-heart or twospade opening. The featured usage has become quite popular.

North, who had already shown at least five hearts and four clubs, could hardly have fewer than four diamonds for his jump to five diamonds — ergo a void in spades. This subtlety was apparently lost on West, who doubled and led the ace of spades, planning to sit back and wait for his trump trick. South ruffed in dummy and ran the jack of diamonds to West’s king. West shifted to a club, but it was too late. South won with his ace and cashed the ace of diamonds. This was followed by the ace and king of hearts and a diamond to dummy’s 10, drawing the last trump. There were three good hearts in dummy to discard declarer’s three losing black cards and the doubled slam was made.

An opening club lead would not have defeated the contract if played properly. We leave it to interested readers to work out the play after a club lead. It is a little complicated, so good luck.