NEW CANADIAN BRIDGE

East topped the king of hearts with the ace to continue the suit. Declarer followed with a diamond to the queen, a club to the jack and then a second diamond. West rose with the ace to return a third heart but South judged to play a spade to the ten. The king of spades drove out the ace and ten tricks were home on this friendly layout. Diamonds broke 3-3 with the ace in West, club king onside, and spades were also favorable with West holding the jack, in addition to a 3-3 division. South was confronted with a bidding issue when partner offered a takeout double of the one heart opening. Should he respond in spades or venture 1NT? North did not promise four spades (although he might have four on another day) but South owned two heart stoppers and wisely responded 1NT revealing a balanced 8-10 HCP. North would pass an invitational jump to two spades but this would culminate in an inferior result. The other question is why East elected to pass the double instead of advancing to 1NT. Perhaps he remembered some of partner's light opening bids from the past? 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. Copyright 2021 Torstar Syndication Services