BRIDGE

Declarer topped the queen with the ace to advance the queen of clubs which was ducked. South cashed the top spades to play another club as West won the ace but promptly switched to the jack of hearts. The ace of hearts was followed by a club winner but East ruffed with the spade nine as South discarded the ten of diamonds. East cashed two hearts and the contract was down one since West was entitled to two trump tricks, NS -100.

There was little chance of success on this layout with clubs breaking 4-2. As long as the defense shifts to hearts early, South will finish down one. N-S had stayed low on this misfit where no contract other than two clubs would come home. The doubleton ten-nine of clubs ensures eight tricks but there was no chance of landing in that contract. NT will be defeated when East begins with a heart driving out the entry to the club winners. As long as West wins the second club, North will be unable to corral more than six tricks. If East begins with a diamond, North would put up the ace and play on clubs to emerge with seven tricks. 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.

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