Bridge Corner
By Gary Mitchell August 11, 2006

The bidding 

North's 2NT promised a balanced or semibalanced hand with 11-12 points. South knew from this that North had two Spades so went to the game in Spades.

The play

If Spades are no worse than 3-1, you only have three losers. 

This is the time to be very cautious. When things look too good to be true, they usually are! You need to be able to pull trump and take your 10 tricks if the Spades behave. If they don't, you need to be able to either set up the Heart Jack for a Club discard, or take the Club finesse. 

So, with all of that in mind, you trump the opening lead. Now play the Heart Ace, then a Spade to the King. If everyone follows, pull trump as fast as possible and take your game.

If Spades are 4-0, lead a Heart toward your King. If East follows, play the King. If East trumps, play low, and again you have 10 tricks. If East discards, win the King and lead a Heart toward the Jack. West wins the queen, but your Jack of Hearts is now a home for a Club loser. The Spade Ace is your entry to dummy.

Questions: gary@smabridge.com 
Lessons: 152-6351.