New CaNadiaN Bridge

FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 2022 A Rebid

Dealer: East

None vulnerable NORTH ♠AK104

♥5

♦82

♣AK9872 WEST EAST ♠32 ♠875 ♥KJ863 ♥AQ92 ♦976 ♦KQJ ♣J103 ♣Q64 SOUTH ♠QJ96

♥1074 ♦A10543

♣5

W N E S 1♦ Pass

1♥ dbl 2♥* 2♠

Pass 4♠ All Pass

* 4 hearts

Opening Lead: ♥6

East won the heart ace but switched to the king of diamonds for the ace.

Declarer cashed the top clubs, discarding a diamond, and ruffed a club with the jack of spades. He then drew trump ending on the table and cashed three clubs, pitching three more diamonds. Since he could ruff only one heart in dummy, the defense was entitled to a second heart trick but an overtrick was home.

North had an easy raise to the major suit game when partner volunteered two spades over two hearts.

Four spades would rarely be defeated since North held ten black cards with the top cards in both suits. An invitational three spades would be insufficient with his collection and could be passed out!

In fact, twelve tricks would roll home when South owned a longer spade suit with clubs breaking 3-3.

West was not tempted to sacrifice at this vulnerability since he owned a balanced hand and a meager 5 HCP.

Five hearts might fetch a penalty double although North might continue to five spades. West would lose three clubs, two spades and a diamond for a four-trick set and a loss of 800 points.

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.