Bridge Corner
By Gary Mitchell (June 2, 2006)

The bidding

South's jump to three Clubs promises a very good hand, probably with 5-5 in the minors. North's rebid of Hearts is an attempt to find the best strain for the contract. When South now bids 3NT, North gives up on Hearts, along with any hope of slam.

The play

You try the Spade 10 at trick one; East wins the King and returns the Spade three. You win, take the Club finesse and it loses. Back comes a third Spade, which you win in hand. Now what? Is there a way to be sure of your contract?

Your transportation on this hand is terrible. So, you need to be careful. If you play the Club Ace, and the suit breaks 3-1, you then have to give up another Club. They will take their remaining Spade (they should be 4-4, based on the opening lead of the 2) and exit with a Diamond. You can now take your Clubs and Diamonds, but you cannot get to the Heart Ace, or you can go to dummy with the fourth Club to take your Heart Ace, but you cannot get back to your hand for the fifth Club. 

The key is to give up on the chance that Clubs are 2-2. Just lead a low Club, rather than the Ace. They can take their Jack and their Spade, but now you have the transportation in the Club suit to get your nine tricks.


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