BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

You are on lead against the bidding shown. Has the bidding told you anything, and if so, would it influence your choice of lead?. North’s direct jump to 4 ♠ over south’s opening 2 ♠ should have conventionally guaranteed that he holds no ace or void.

You also know that, with a positive response facing him, south has made no further effort to find out about kings in North’s hand, and has contented himself with bidding 6 ♠ .

It follows logically that North-south may have an ace missing.

If this should turn out to be the ♥ A, a lead of the ♥ 8 will hit the jackpot.

At any rate, what other chance have you of defeating 6 ♠ ?

If your partner holds an ace somewhere else he has a good chance of making it, but you have nothing with which to back him up for a second trick.