Bridge Corner
By Gary Mitchell (June 23, 2006)

The bidding

When West rebid Clubs, North was no longer forced to bid. Therefore, North's free bid guaranteed about 8-11 points. South bid 3NT, and with only four Hearts, North passes.

The play

After careful consideration, you decide to win the opening lead with the King! You lead a heart to your Jack, which loses to the King, and West leads the Club Jack, which you duck. West then switches to the Spade nine. Your turn!

Between you and dummy, you can account for 26 points. West must have every missing honor card to justify bidding twice. Win the Spade Queen and play a Spade to your King. Now play the Ace and another Heart. West is in with the Queen. 

If West started with two Spades, West must now lead a Club or Diamond for you, giving you trick nine. If West leads a third Spade, or a fourth Heart, cash your major suit winners and lead a Diamond to the Jack. West must have a singleton Ace. Count out the hand!

West started with six Clubs, followed to two Spades and three hearts. If West has a third Spade, or a fourth Heart, then West must have a singleton Diamond, and it has to be the Ace for West to have an opening hand.

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