BRIDGE with Bob Jones

South had a difficult bid over North’s re-opening double. Perfect defense would have made “pass” a winning decision, but that call was not seriously considered. South chose the aggressive three no trump over the timid alternative of three hearts.

East’s 10 of diamonds was allowed to hold the first trick, and East wisely took a moment to plan the defense. South was sure to have the ace of diamonds, and if he also held the ace of spades, there was no hope for the defense. East could have continued with another diamond, forcing declarer to duck again, but with no side entry, East could not develop enough diamond tricks to defeat the contract. East shifted thoughtfully to the jack of clubs at trick two.

Declarer ducked in hand, losing to the king from West. West reverted to diamonds, forcing South to duck, and East continued his good work by leading another club. South could have ducked this to dummy’s queen, of course, but that would have cut him off from both minor suit aces in his hand. In desperation, South rose with his ace of clubs, cashed the ace of diamonds, and led a spade toward dummy’s king-jack, intending to rise with the king if West played low. West stepped up smartly with his ace and cashed the 10 of clubs for the setting trick.

This was a lovely defense, featuring nice cooperation between partners. Well done!