Bridge Corner
By Gary Mitchell (July 14, 2006)

The bidding

South believed 3NT would be easier than 5 Clubs (besides that, he did not have a singleton, a void, a note from his doctor and a note from his mother!). 

The play

Was West listening while the bidding was going on? I doubt it! West should lead a Diamond or Heart, one of the two unbid suits. Oh well, maybe he was sick in bed when that lesson was being taught. 

Do you win the Ace of Spades at trick one? If so, what do you play at trick two? If not, what is your plan?

Yes, you should absolutely win the Ace at trick one. As long as Clubs are no worse than 3-1, you have nine tricks. Why risk East winning the Spade King, followed by the defenders taking a bunch of Heart tricks? So, you win the Spade Ace. Now, you should lead a Club to the Queen. There is no point in playing the Ace first, as you cannot protect against East having four Clubs. Yes, you can finesse for the Jack, but you cannot get back to the dummy. However, you can protect against West having four Clubs, so do it. 

When you do get the bad news, you have only one hope. Duck a Club to East (let him win the second Club) so that you can use the Club suit if you gain back the lead in time. With East in, you now have to hope that East has the Spade King and the Heart Jack. Otherwise, you are going down.

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