NEW C ANADIAN BRIDGE

Saturday, January 16, 2021

South played low from dummy as East contributed the nine. The continuation of jack of clubs was ducked as East perforce won the ace and South could now breathe a sigh of relief. West refused to discard a heart on the run of the diamonds but ten tricks were in the bank. South's refusal to play the club king at trick two had yielded a tenth winner. However, he would have had egg on his face if West had continued with the ace of clubs at trick three and ran the suit. From West's perspective, he should switch to the jack of hearts at trick two since he knows that partner is down to the bare ace of clubs. South might not score a club trick in this scenario. South opted to open 1NT in spite of holding 18 HCP but this action may have wrongsided the contract. If he opens one diamond, would North respond 1NT or offer a diamond raise? South would raise 1NT to the nine-trick game where East is likely to begin with a fourth best spade. Alternatively, South would be compelled to rebid 3NT after a diamond raise for lack of a viable alternative. 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.