Goren on Bridge

North-South used Stayman to reach four spades — a close game. The contract depends on a successful club finesse, and that finesse must be taken at least twice, and perhaps three times. This will require at least two entries to dummy, and a third entry might be needed if the trumps split 4-1, since there would be no club ruff available in dummy. There are two sure trump entries to dummy. Can declarer find another?

East won the opening heart lead with the king, cashed the ace of hearts, and shifted to the 10 of diamonds. West captured South’s king with his ace and returned the suit to declarer’s queen. What now?

South cashed the king of spades and then led the queen of spades. When West followed to the queen, South overtook the queen with dummy’s ace and led a club to his queen. A spade to the nine was followed by a club to the jack. A spade to the jack drew the last trump and gave South the third entry to dummy that he needed. A club to the 10 was followed quickly by a claim. Good imaginative play!

Note that declarer’s play was safe once West followed to the second spade. Had East followed to the second spade also, a third club finesse would not have been necessary. One club finesse, draw the last trump, and take another club finesse. South would then be able to ruff the 10 of clubs in dummy.

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