BRIDGE

Mar 25

South drew trump and claimed the slam conceding the ace of diamonds, N-S +1430.

North's artificial raise revealed four-card spade support but less than a limit raise.

South launched into Blackwood to ask for controls since a slam would be icy as long as partner held an ace.

North's reply showed a red-suit ace but neither denied nor confirmed possession of the spade queen. South could have continued with five diamonds in search of the queen but this was unnecessary because a tencard spade fit was present and the queen would drop as long as spades broke 2-1. If trump divided 3-0, there would still be a chance when North displayed both the jack and ten of spades. Declarer would be able to pick up the suit via a finesse when East held the length.

South would have advanced to a grand slam when partner disclosed two aces. The key to reaching slam was the fact that South knew that there was a ten-card fit.

Slam would be a considerably less desirable contract when North owned only three-card support without the queen.