NEW CANADIAN BRIDGE

Monday, December 28, 2020

East ruffed to exit with the ten of clubs as West won the ace to deliver a second diamond ruff. Declarer could win any return and play off the heart ace dropping the king and queen to finish with ten tricks. North's artificial response promised a forcing raise of hearts with a spade void. South's hand had now been reduced to five working HCP where the ace and king of spades were completely wasted values. Exchange South's top spades for the ace of clubs and the heart king and a grand slam would be in view. Fortunately, the splinter which disclosed a spade void had paved the way to a stop in game. A three spade response by North would have delineated a forcing heart raise with an undisclosed singleton. South could ask for the shortness by advancing to 3NT where four, clubs, four diamonds and four hearts (spade) would reveal the location. An immediate leap to four clubs or four diamonds would promise a void in that suit. This convention distinguishes between a singleton or a void in response to partner's major suit opening. 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.