Bridge Corner
By Gary Mitchell, Oct 27, 2006

The bidding

In the modern game, a 2 Club opening bid is artificial and game-forcing. South’s 2 Diamond bid was “waiting.” It does not say anything. When North suggests Hearts as the trump suit, South says “no, how about Spades?” North agrees with Spades, South cue bids the Diamond Ace, and North bids the Spade slam. 

The play

Every once in a while I like to put in a hand that virtually no one would make—and I do mean no one! It just shows that in this game so much is possible. Yes, six Spades can be made. However, all normal efforts will fail. West will get an over-ruff in Hearts, and East will score a Diamond trick. Try it!

The secret here is to understand that Hearts rate to break 4–2 and Spades 3–1. Also, you need four Heart tricks. Along with six Spades and the other two Aces, that makes 12 tricks. As I said, if you try to play the Ace and then ruff a Heart, then go to dummy and try to ruff another Heart, West will over-trump. You will still lose a Diamond for down one.

Believe it or not, win the opening lead and play a small Heart from dummy. Let’s assume East wins and plays the Club King. You trump, play a Spade to the Ace, and trump a little Heart. Now, Spade Queen, and a Spade to dummy and run four Heart tricks, discarding all four of your small Diamonds. 

No, I would not have made this. 

Questions: gary@smabridge.com 

Lessons: 152-6351.