CANADIAN BRIDGE

South topped the ten with the queen and unblocked the ace and queen of spades. He crossed to the ace of diamonds and disposed of a diamond on the king of spades as West contributed the jack. A club was discarded on the spade ten as West ruffed and cashed the ace of hearts but South could claim the balance, N-S +650.

The early play revealed that East held the jack of hearts and West held the ace. A diamond lead presents South with a second winner in that suit and would not have altered the final result. North's resolve to respond one diamond would not be a popular choice at most tables. Many players would ignore the diamond suit to respond one heart where this action would again culminate in the major suit but with North as declarer. The diamond suit was much stronger than hearts and a major suit would not be buried. If East, for example, overcalled one heart, South could rebid one spade with a four-bagger. Alternatively, if East ventured one spade, a double by South would conventionally reveal a four-card heart suit. Finally, if East overcalled with a natural two clubs which was followed by two passes, North could reopen with a double for takeout. 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. Copyright 2016 Torstar Syndication Services