Bridge Corner
By Gary Mitchell, July 7, 2006

The bidding

North’s four Spade bid promised four Spades and something that looks like about 12–15 points. South decided that since his playing ability was so good he would try for a small slam (remind you of anyone?). 

The play

East wins the Club Ace and returns a Club, West playing the nine. What now?

This hand is a problem in higher mathematics. The big question is: Can you count to 12?

It is going to be impossible to set up the Diamond or Heart suit, pull trump and still have the entries needed to run the suit, even if it does break nicely. So, what is the alternative?
How about a cross-ruff? Notice all your high trump cards? All you need to do is sneak in that Spade two, and you are set. 
So, win the Club in Dummy and play the Heart Ace and trump a Heart with that lowly two. If that lives, play the Ace and King of Diamonds. If those survive, you have five tricks in the bank, and seven more coming via a high cross-ruff. Yep, that adds up to 12.

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