BRIDGE

Dismal

Dealer: North

None vulnerable NORTH

♠QJ4

♥J

♦AKQ ♣AJ9854 WEST EAST ♠A 109876♠ K 5 ♥K 4♥ Q 1087653 ♦82 ♦974

♣1032 ♣K SOUTH

♠32

♥A92 ♦J10653

♣Q76

W NE S

1♣ 3♥ Pass

Pass dbl Pass 3NT dbl All Pass Opening Lead: ♥K Declarer grabbed the heart ace to continue with a club to the jack. East produced the king and cashed six heart tricks but South refused to part with a spade from dummy. East switched to king and another spade resulting in a five-trick set, N-S -1100. Declarer could have brought home twelve tricks by dropping the king of clubs for three overtricks and a magnificent +850. South cannot pick up the club suit when West holds K10x for lack of entries. His play was predicated on the forlorn hope that clubs divided 2-2 with the king in the slot. The club hook had produced a swing of almost 2000 points. South's advance to 3NT was not outrageous since partner had promised a strong hand. Alternatively, he might have chosen four diamonds where ten tricks are readily available or perhaps more if declarer spurns a club finesse. South was given an opportunity to escape when West doubled 3NT for penalty. He should beat a swift retreat to four diamonds where he cannot be severely harmed. The abysmal result will be scrupulously avoided and he will record a modest plus score when partner passes.