BRIDGE

South won dummy's ace to advance the king of spades for a ruffing finesse. East's ace was ruffed away as declarer drew trump, ending on the table. When spades broke 4-4, an overtrick was in the bank, N-S +1460. If hearts had divided 4-1, South would require the defender with heart length to hold four spades for success.

South's failure to employ Blackwood indicated a void which would almost certainly be in spades. He could have jumped to either five clubs or five diamonds which would have functioned as Exclusion Blackwood asking North for controls but telling him not to count the ace of the bid suit. How would North, in this sequence, have interpreted a leap to four spades? This action should also be construed as Exclusion Blackwood again asking for controls with hearts agreed but promising a spade void. South could advance to three spades to show three-card support since they were in a game-forcing auction. If North mistakenly treated this call as an offer to play in spades, the dummy would be a veritable revelation when he elects to subside. North would emerge with twelve tricks in the 5-0 fit but the excellent heart slam would go by the boards.

Author: Dave Willis - visit his website at www.insidebridge.ca Questions on bridge can be sent with a stamped, self-addressed envelope to The New Canadian Bridge c/o Torstar Syndication Services, One Yonge St., Toronto, M5E 1E6.