ACES ON BRIDGE
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. — Psalm 90:12
East declined to make a Michaels Cuebid to show hearts and a second suit in today’s deal because he had decent defense and always could have re-opened over two spades. As it happens, his side only lost the chance for a three-down save, which would have picked up three IMPs.
After reaching four spades, on a heart lead to the 10 and king, South is in danger of losing a spade, two hearts, and a club. He must find a way to eliminate a loser. Declarer can, however, virtually guarantee his contract. To do so, he must arrange to take a discard before the opponents regain the lead and cash their hearts.
At trick two, South draws one round of trumps with the ace. His next step is to unblock the diamond ace. He cannot afford to give up the lead, so he follows up by leading a club to dummy’s ace. He must reach dummy in order to take the diamond king, and he dares not risk the club finesse since that may give the opponents a chance to cash out.
This brings us to the chief point of the hand. We have seen many examples of useful finesses, but now we see a finesse that must be avoided. Do not take a finesse that endangers your contract if you can make your contract without taking that finesse.
After taking the club ace, declarer pitches a heart on the diamond king. Declarer can then draw the rest of the trumps, eventually setting up a club for his 10th trick.
ANSWER: LEAD WITH THE ACES
East must have length in both majors facing a hand with no slam interest. Partner did not double three clubs, so that suit is not likely to do any good. The best lead is a low diamond, hoping to find partner with a top honor, so you can build two winners for your side. A trump might be passive, but it has little else to recommend it.
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