BRIDGE

South won in hand to run the jack of spades to the queen as East switched to a heart. Declarer continued with a diamond to the jack but East ruffed and exited with a heart, tapping declarer. The king of diamonds lost to the ace and the heart return tapped South a second time. A heart was parked on the queen of diamonds as East declined to ruff. The ace of clubs was followed by a ruff and the game was down one, N-S -50.

The game was a reasonable bargain but, with diamonds breaking 5-0 and East holding ace-queen third of spades, there was no chance of success.

South’s resolve to advance to game was a tad optimistic but the 6-4 pattern was an asset. Perhaps he should offer a game invitation by rebidding three spades. North is likely to pass, a decision which would culminate in a plus score.

A diamond partscore would be a struggle as a consequence of the foul trump division. The defense should easily be able to corral five tricks, restricting South to eight tricks.

East could score nine tricks at hearts but this was never a possibility when North responded one heart. Author: Dave Willis - visit his website at www.insidebridge.ca Questions can be sent with a stamped, self-addressed envelope to The New Canadian Bridge c/o Torstar Syndication Services, One Yonge St., Toronto, M5E 1E6