Goren on Bridge

East-West might have competed to five hearts at any other vulnerability, but it was too dangerous here. Besides, they had fair chances on defense.

South ruffed the opening heart lead in dummy, crossed to his hand with a trump, and ruffed his last heart. Confident that the ace of clubs was with East for his opening bid, South led a low club to his king. He was disappointed to see that lose to West’s ace, but he would still succeed if West shifted to a spade. West, however, made no mistake. He returned his remaining club, forcing out South’s queen. When the ensuing spade finesse lost, East cashed the jack of clubs to defeat the contract.

Declarer was certainly unlucky to find West with the ace of clubs, but he could have done better. Can you spot how?

South timed the hand poorly. He should have played on spades before playing on clubs. East was absolutely certain to hold either the king of spades or the ace of clubs for his opening bid. Instead of leading a club, South should have led a low spade toward his jack. Should East rise with his king, declarer would have discards for both of his low clubs. Should East decide to duck his king, South can now afford two club losers.

What if West produces the king of spades? South will have lost an unnecessary spade trick, but he would have located the ace of clubs ... with East! Two club leads toward his king-queen would have assured the contract.