What happens with no unbid major?

Hawkwind, an English rock band, in a song called “Sea King,” has this lyric: “Unbid to him comes a rune once taught.”

We have been looking at negative doubles that show length in an unbid major. But what happens when there is no unbid major, as in today’s deal?

Now a negative double promises length in both minor suits. (If North had been stronger, he would have responded two clubs; but with insufficient power to bid immediately at the two-level, he starts with a negative double.) South’s hand isn’t perfect with those three losing spades, but it would be cautious to rebid less than four hearts.

What should the result be after West leads the spade king?

If only South could gain the lead, he could collect a lot of tricks. Now, though, the defenders are in control. First, East must overtake the spade king with his ace. Then he leads back his second spade. West takes two more tricks in the suit, and East should discard a discouraging diamond two. What happens next?

West should realize that his side has no more side-suit tricks available. The bidding and East’s signal mark declarer with the diamond ace. Also, if South needs a club finesse to work, it will. The defenders must try to gain a trump trick.

West should lead a fourth spade. Then, if East is in midseason form, he will ruff with the heart 10, which effects an uppercut. South will overruff, but then West gains a trump trick, the defense’s fourth winner.

When you’ve taken all possible side-suit tricks, try for a trump promotion.