Bridge Corner
By Gary Mitchell, August 25, 2006

The bidding explained

A 3NT opening bid, unless otherwise agreed upon, shows a balanced hand with 25 to 27 points. North has 7 points and a five-card suit, so invites slam with the 4NT bid. Note that this is not Blackwood. South has a minimum, but slams are so much fun!

The play

When this hand was played in a tournament team game, the declarer won the opening lead, went to dummy with a Club and led the Diamond Jack, taking the finesse, which won. Then declarer led a Diamond to the Queen, which also won. Declarer then played the Ace, and when the King did not fall, declarer had only 11 tricks. Declarer could go to dummy with a Heart and play another Diamond, knocking out the King, but then would have no way to return to dummy for the fifth Diamond. 

I beg you! Declarers, please count your tricks! You have eight tricks outside of the Diamonds. You only need four Diamond tricks, not five. Win the Spade lead and play the Ace, then the Queen of Diamonds. If these win, continue with a low Diamond to dummy. You will get your four diamond tricks.

Questions: gary@smabridge.com 

Lessons: 152-6351.