Goren Bridge

There are many maxims associated with playing bridge. They are usually tips designed to help new players improve their game. Two of these are “second hand low” and “third hand high”. These maxims are supported by sound logic, but a player must be alert for situations where a maxim should not be followed.

A slightly aggressive double and a slightly aggressive jump to game left North-South in a poor contract. South won the opening spade lead with dummy’s king and led a low club. East could have defeated the contract by rising with his ace and shifting to hearts. That would require West to hold at least three hearts to the ace, which was not likely after the weak two-bid opening. East made the reasonable decision to follow the maxim and play second hand low.

South won with his king and led the seven of diamonds to dummy’s ace and then another diamond. East was displaying his deep knowledge of maxims and played low again. Declarer won with the queen and exited with a diamond to East’s king. East had no spades or diamonds remaining, so he had to give declarer his ninth trick with either the king of hearts or the queen of clubs.

Nicely played, but East should have seen this coming. He should have risen with his king of diamonds when he had a chance and exited safely with his last diamond.

South could still have prevailed, with careful play, but it would have been much harder for him.