The errors will be remembered

Junior players are known for fearless bidding and, although less often these days, “textbook” errors.

In this deal, what is the fate of three no-trump after West leads either the club seven or heart nine?

In this auction, South’s double indicated three-card spade support and any hand strength. North wanted to show some enthusiasm, but did not know how to do it without overbidding.

At one table, despite East’s wafer-thin overcall, West led a top-of-nothing heart nine. Declarer won in the dummy and played a diamond to his king. A smooth duck by West might have paid dividends, but he took the trick and led another heart. South won that and ducked a diamond, West winning and playing a third heart. How should declarer have continued?

South had eight tricks: four spades, three hearts and one diamond. There were two chances for the ninth winner: 3-3 diamonds or a club trick. Declarer should have cashed the diamond queen to see the split. When it was bad, he would have had to run the spades, then hope that East had both the club ace and club king.

East must not win the first trick. He should play an encouraging low card to keep contact with his partner. Then, when West gets in with his diamond ace, he can lead his second club to give the defenders five tricks.

At 58 of the 66 tables at the world youth championships, three no-trump was the final contract. It made 33 times and failed 25 times.