Captain, we have them surrounded

Henri Matisse said, “Derive happiness in oneself from a good day’s work, from illuminating the fog that surrounds us.”

There is a play in bridge that may seem as clear as fog if you haven’t seen it before. Let’s illuminate it today. Look at the East and North hands. South is in four hearts. West leads the diamond three: queen, ace, four. What should East do next?

East has a good pre-empt, especially given today’s style to open as high as possible as often as possible when one has a long suit without opening count. But to open four diamonds is not a good idea as it takes you past three no-trump. Also, on a very sunny day, partner will respond with three spades over three diamonds, after which East should control-bid four hearts to show his very suitable hand.

When North makes a takeout double, and South advances with three hearts, North should assume that his partner has 6 or 7 points and act accordingly — here, raising to four hearts. If South does not have 6 points, get a new partner!

Note West’s opening lead, low from three low cards in a suit bid by partner but not supported by West.

When East wins with the diamond ace, he should realize that a spade switch is required — but to which spade?

East has dummy’s top spade surrounded by his jack and nine, and he has a higher, nontouching honor. In this situation, East should lead the card directly above dummy’s highest — the jack. Now declarer must lose three spade tricks and go down one.