NEW CANADIAN BRIDGE

Tuesday, January 5, 2020

South inserted dummy's nine to begin trump but East rose with the ace and switched to the five of clubs. West topped the king with the ace but returned the five of hearts ruffed by partner. The queen of clubs was ruffed as South drew the remaining trump and conceded the ace of diamonds for nine tricks. West could be certain that partner held a singleton when East contributed the deuce of hearts at trick one. Declarer will emerge with ten tricks by finessing West for the heart queen versus another opening lead. West did not hold an obvious opening lead although the ace of clubs (partner's suit) was a possible choice. This beginning would prevent any chance of East scoring a heart ruff. South's resolve to venture three spades was questionable since partner's raise may have been a competitive action. It is unclear whether this call was game try or an attempt to silence the opponents. He should pass two spades, in my view, since he can always go to three spades if West elects to continue in the auction. South owned 15 HCP but the value of the king of clubs was questionable and he held no aces.