NEW CANADIAN BRIDGE

Saturday, April 10, 2021

With hearts breaking 3-3 and king in the slot, the defense could not defeat the contract, N-S +550.

South's decision to venture three diamonds had been a resounding success. He might have doubled two spades for takeout, disclosing hearts and diamonds, but settled upon diamonds as a lead-directing stratagem in case West bought the hand in a spade contract. When partner raised diamonds and East continued to the major suit game, it was clear to bid five diamonds at favorable vulnerability as a save or a potential make.

East's decision to offer a single raise of spades had been extremely costly on this deal. He should have rocketed into four spades that would present South with a huge bidding problem.

Would South have advanced to five diamonds in this scenario? We can surmise that this is unlikely but, perhaps, he could bid 4NT for takeout showing great length in the red-suits as long as North would not interpret this action as Blackwood?

Four spades is a lock unless North begins with the ace of clubs and delivers the ruff. South returns a heart and the contract will finish down one.

East's misdescription of his hand had the side effect of convincing his partner to double the minor suit game resulting in a matchpoint zero.

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.