CANADIAN BRIDGE

South ruffed the continuation of the spade four, drew trump ending in hand and advanced the king of diamonds for a ruffing finesse. A spade was pitched from dummy when West followed with a spot-card as East scored the ace and returned a club for partner's ace, N-S +420.

North's negative double promising at least four hearts was a pleasant surprise. A leap to four hearts was indicated since South was 6-5 in the redsuits and this action brought the auction to a close. West held a promising hand but, since E-W were playing Michaels Cue Bids, he was compelled to overcall one spade. A cue bid disclosing the black suits would have been the most descriptive call if their agreement had been Top and Bottom Cue Bids. A spade contract would not handle well as a consequence of the 5-1 division. West would be tapped when North begins with two rounds of hearts and would be hard pressed to win more than eight tricks. E-W own an eight card club fit but the 4-1 trump break will present handing problems. There was no chance that West would offer a sacrifice at this vulnerability when East declined to participate in the auction. An advance to four spades would be suggested if East had raised to two spades.

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.