ACES ON BRIDGE

This deal, another from the 2018 National American Bridge Championships in Honolulu, presented an awkward declarer and defense problem.

Opposite a passed partner, West did not need to worry about missing a game with his heavy weak two. Because two diamonds escapes for down one, South was wise to balance; if his partner had passed, would East have balanced with two spades? I’m not sure, since I think that typically implies some diamond tolerance — but it would have been feeble for East to pass out two hearts. Be that as it may, North did not give East the chance to balance. Instead, North’s optimistic raise to three hearts put his side into dangerous territory. West did not find the spade king lead, putting a low club on the table instead.

Declarer won in dummy to lead a low heart.

East took the ace and knew his partner was likely to have a top spade and decent diamonds.

The spade queen shift covered all bases. South had to duck, which he did, and now East shifted to diamonds, to the king, ace and four.

When West reverted to spades, declarer could win and draw trumps, then either set up a diamond to pitch his spade, or ruff a club and exit in spades, to throw East in and avoid losing a diamond.

Could West have found the winning defense? He must underlead in diamonds at trick five, thus retaining the diamond queen while scoring a second trick in the suit. East can ruff and exit in spades, and one way or another the defenders will score a fifth trick.

ANSWER: Bid one spade.You do not have enough for a Michaels cue-bid of two hearts, which should show more in the way of general high cards, and more of a concentration in your long suits. One spade is enough. If partner raises, your hand will become much more powerful, but until then go low, not high.