The Bridge Corner
By Gary Mitchell

Opening Lead: Diamond Queen

The bidding explained: North’s takeout double is supposed to show at least three-card support for all three of the unbid suits. However, with this strong a hand, and a Diamond stopper, North can go to Notrump if South bids Hearts, so it is a safe double. East and South are both minimum for their bids, but both calls are correct. 

The play: With the Diamond lead the first reaction is to lead trump as quickly as possible to try and stop the impending Diamond ruff by East. So, you win the opening lead in hand and lead a Spade. West goes up and leads the Diamond Jack. You have to play the King and East trumps. East leads a Club and West takes the Ace of Clubs and a Diamond trick for down one.

You can afford a Spade loser, a Diamond loser and a Club loser. You cannot afford for East to trump one of your Diamond winners. Win the opening lead in dummy and lead the Club King. West wins and leads another Diamond. East trumps and you play low. East cannot get West in to lead another Diamond. If East lead a Club, trump in hand and lead Spades. If East leads a Heart, trump a Club and lead Spades. The key is not to let East trump one of your good Diamonds. 

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