NEIL HAYWARD

BRIDGE

Contract:6♥ by South

Opening Lead: ♠K. How do you play?

Recommended Line: If you lose the lead, they will cash two spade tricks. It is an illusion to think that two diamond ruffs in dummy will help: you will still have two spade losers. Look at the hand differently: you need to focus on dummy’s clubs, aiming to discard on them. But it is clear that, if the ♣Q does not fall doubleton, a great deal of work is necessary in clubs. After winning the first trick, cash the ♥A; then cash the top clubs. Assuming the ♣Q does not fall, you must now pin your hopes on your only chance: that West holds the

♥T. So, finesse the ♥9 next. If this works out as you need, you trump a club, using the ♥K, and return to the ♥Q. This draws their last trump. You then cash good clubs. When you need some good fortune, proceed as if it is smiling at you.