NEW CANADIAN BRIDGE

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

South drew a second round of trump, as West discarded the spade three, to continue with the jack of spades for the queen and ace. The last heart was extracted and followed by the six of spades. West grabbed the king but declarer could claim twelve tricks disposing of two diamonds and a club on the spade winners. The opening lead had been a disastrous choice on this deal.

A singleton trump should virtually never be chosen as an opening shot.

A spade can be rejected because North had bid the suit and, therefore, West should settle upon the jack of diamonds or the ten of clubs. A diamond would be more effective when partner tops the queen with the king but shifts to the king of clubs. This line of defense would restrict South to the contract. Declarer would manage eleven tricks against a club lead by establishing spades for two diamond discards.

North swiftly raised to the major suit game when partner rebid hearts advertising a sixcard suit. An invitational three hearts was rejected because he held a five-card spade suit, two aces, a ruffing value and threecard heart support.

Author: Dave Willis - visit his website at www.insidebridge.ca

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