CANADIAN BRIDGE

South won the ace, drew trump and disposed of two spades on the club winners to earn the slam bonus, N-S +1430. South invited slam by advancing to five hearts asking partner to bid a small slam if he could prevent the defense from cashing two spade tricks. North was happy to comply since he held the ace of spades. North might have had a singleton spade where twelve tricks would be a lock. How would North react to this action when he held king third of spades? He would not venture a heart slam but could consider 6NT as an alternative.

North's decision to open in the minor means that the partnership played a weak NT opening (either 12-14 or 13-15 HCP) or that he simply miscounted his hand.

East's spade overcall was ultra-light and inadvertently aided N-S in reaching a slam. It may not be so easy to bid slam when North opens 1NT. South will employ Stayman and then reveal long hearts when partner denies a fourcard major. Whether he uses Smolen or continues with a natural but forcing heart rebid, there will be problems in reaching the major suit slam. South will be concerned about the spade weakness, although less so, if the auction has conveniently placed partner as declarer in a heart contract. 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.