NEW CANADIAN BRIDGE

Friday, February 5, 2021

South captured East's nine with the ten and plunked down the king of diamonds felling the queen. He brought home ten tricks losing only three aces, N-S +130. It was important to begin diamonds immediately because East was certain to hold a singleton spade and West a singleton heart. N-S had stolen the deal via a weak jump raise. The only way for E-W to find the massive club fit is for East to offer a responsive double of three diamonds, revealing hearts and clubs. At unfavorable vulnerability and with only 7 HP where the diamond queen would be worthless offensively, he reasonably elected to pass. Another of East's concerns was that partner had made a simple overcall and might rebid spades in response to the double! West would advance to four clubs when partner doubles but this call would likely end the auction. East could not, in good conscience, consider a raise to game with such meager values. Both majors break 4-3 so West should be able to develop a second winner in either suit. West will encounter no problems in bringing home eleven tricks on this layout for a satisfying result of +150. 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.