BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

SOuTH opened 2NT raised to 3NT by North. West leads the 5. Have you a chance of beating this contract? FIRST, count points — at least 20 with South, plus your own and dummy’s make 35, so West can have five points. This means he may well have an entry if you can establish his spades before the entry is knocked out.

So like yesterday’s hand, but so different. Then you had the entry, now West may have it.

Go up with the A and return the Q. South will surely duck, so you continue with the

3. Now West’s spades should be established, even if his suit is only knave-high, and you may see West gain the lead to cash his remaining winners.