BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

PLannInG is the first step in declarer play and even when a contract seems obvious, there is normally a correct and less correct option.

here you have five certain winners and plenty more once the black suit aces have been knocked out.

The danger is that north has five hearts with both aces. There is still no problem, provided spades break 3- 2, but you can combine your chances.

start by routinely ducking the opening lead (Rule of seven); win the heart continuation and lead a low spade to the knave.

If north rises with the ace, you have nine safe tricks. If the knave is allowed to hold the trick, abandon spades and switch to your solid club suit, again to guarantee your contract.

Let’s assume south wins the ace and plays back a heart. your contract is still safe, unless north is precisely 4-5 in the majors with a. Then you should have guessed to lead a low spade from dummy dropping the singleton ace! — very anti-percentage.

The important thing to remember is that the safety of your contract comes before any thought of overtricks!

Tomorrow, we’ll look at a slightly different situation on the same theme.