BRIDGE

West switched to the diamond king and received a third round ruff. The return of a top heart promoted a trump winner for partner and the contract was down two, NS -100.

South’s advance to three spades was the direct cause of reaching a hopeless game. North obviously expected a much stronger hand and reasonably advanced to the major suit game. South should pass three hearts since he has opened with 11 HCP and a singleton queen of clubs. What action will North take? He could choose between four clubs, a spade preference, double or pass. He will reject a double with a singleton heart but pass is out of the question since partner opened the bidding. Clubs could be an abysmal contract opposite shortness and we can surmise that he will try three spades an action that will end the auction.

North will cash three clubs versus a heart contract and shift to the jack of spades. South will continue with a third round of spades giving West a problem. On this layout he must ruff high and subsequently drop the singleton queen of hearts to avoid the loss of six tricks. We can surmise that West is unlikely to find the winning play. The good news is that West would not be permitted to play at the three-level and entertained no thoughts of an advance to game.