NEW CANADIAN BRIDGE

Wednesday, February 3, 2021

South won the third heart, discarding a spade from the table. He continued with a diamond to the jack and tested clubs by playing off the ace. A club to the king was followed by the ten of spades for the king and ace. East won the spade continuation to play a heart but nine tricks were home, N-S +600.

South had taken a small risk by playing on spades in search of an overtrick. The contract would be defeated when West owned five hearts and the king-queen of spades. However, this would reveal that he held 12 HCP and did not open one heart in third seat.

South's 1NT response disclosed a balanced 8-10 HCP without a four-card major so North's hand warranted a game invitation. South was not minimum and thus advanced to the nine-trick game. This sequence right-sided the contract since North held nothing of value in the heart suit.

At some tables, North could have opened 1NT to become declarer. On this occasion, it would make no difference because East is likely to select the deuce of hearts as an opening shot. If he picks the deuce of spades, North will emerge with eleven tricks.