BRIDGE JACK STOCKEN

West was very close to making a take-out double of 3♥ but, without four spades, correctly chose to pass. Forcing partner to the four level with a minor would be uncomfortable if East had a minimum hand.

Some Wests did make a cheeky double and got lucky when East bid 3NT, which made nine tricks when declarer could establish two winners in the diamond suit and the heart suit was cut off.

West led the king of clubs against 3♥, East encouraging with the nine. West persisted with the queen which declarer ruffed. Declarer played the two of diamonds from hand, West wisely split their honours with the queen and declarer ducked in dummy.

It is very hard now for West to switch to a spade from kingseven-six as declarer might have the queen. Also, it is too late as declarer can win the ace of spades, ruff a club in hand and then play a diamond to the jack in dummy, followed by the ace of diamonds throwing a spade loser.

So West played another club, ruffed in hand by declarer who then played the seven of diamonds to the jack in dummy, finessing West’s king. Declarer cashed the ace of diamonds, throwing the losing two of spades, and then played the nine of hearts, low from East and the ten from hand, finessing East’s jack.

This first round finesse in hearts was skilful play as playing to the king of hearts first would have resulted in losing two trump tricks.

Declarer continued with the king of hearts, won by East’s ace. He switched to the queen of spades but declarer won the ace, ruffed a diamond high in hand and drew the last trump. 3♥ made.

Did you spot East’s mistake? At trick one he should overtake the king of clubs lead with the ace and switch to the queen of spades. The defence can now take five tricks; two spades, one heart, one diamond and one club. Always easier after the event.