Contract Bridge

In many hands, declarer appears to have only a remote chance to make the contract. Nevertheless, he is duty-bound to exploit whatever chance he has.

A simple illustration of this principle is provided by today’s deal. West led a diamond, taken by declarer with the ace. South could count seven sure tricks and, in an effort to gain two more, set about establishing the heart suit.

East took the jack with the king and returned a diamond. South won and led another heart. This play brought declarer to 10 winners, but before he could take them, East cashed three diamonds and the ace of spades to defeat the contract two tricks.

The outcome indicates

the importance of timing. Declarer’s line of play was bound to fail, since there was no way he could score nine tricks before the opponents collected at least six of their own if he tried to develop dummy’s hearts.

South has but one chance

to make the contract: He must try to score two spade tricks before the opponents’ diamonds become established. The bidding indicates that East has the ace of spades. Declarer’s only real hope is that East was dealt the singleton or doubleton ace, and he should proceed accordingly.

At trick two, South should cross to dummy with a club and lead a low spade. East has no choice but to play low, and South wins with the queen. Declarer then returns a spade, and after West follows low, so does dummy. When East produces the ace, South has nine tricks.

It may be argued that South has to be lucky to make the contract on this line of play, but when no other realistic option exists, luck is about all one can hope for.

Tomorrow: Bidding quiz.