BRIDGE DAVE WILLIS

South scooped the jack of diamonds and drove out the ace of clubs to record twelve tricks, N-S +490.

The auction disclosed that North held a singleton diamond but South’s conversion to the nine-trick game indicated that he owned a concentration of strength in diamonds. West should therefore lead a club and declarer will be held to eleven tricks. West guards diamonds but East spades and there will be no chance of a third overtrick.

N-S held a combined 31 HCP but South was not inclined to proceed beyond game when partner’s rebid disclosed the singleton diamond. With a somewhat stronger collection South might have pursued a slam but in reality he held only 4 HCP in the majors. The good news was that partner’s rebid opened the door to the best contract.

The result in the major suit game declared by South also depends upon the opening lead. We can surmise that West would again opt for a fourth best diamond in view of South’s rejection of 3NT as a final destination. He would conclude that partner must hold an honor in diamonds but South would emerge with another twelve tricks.

West’s mistaken decision to lead a diamond saddled E-W with a probable matchpoint zero.