BRIDGE MASTERCLASS

North becomes declarer in 6♠, after East has overcalled in diamonds. East leads the ♦10. how does North make his contract? As with so many tight contracts, victory is gained or lost at the first trick. here, North must be careful to ruff the opening lead, or he will be unable to avoid the loss of a club and a heart.

having ruffed the opening diamond and drawn trumps, North leads ♣2 and East is on a spot. if East wins ♣A, he sets up ♣Q for a heart discard;

if he holds up the Ace, ♣K wins and North’s remaining clubs are discarded on ♦AK, declarer giving up a heart trick in due course. this is an excellent example of an avoidance play.