The Bridge Corner
By Gary Mitchell

The bidding explained: South knew his partner must have a few points at least, after East passed, so he decided to take a shot. Hey, it’s only a game!

The play: Declarer won the opening lead, played the Spade Ace, a Spade to the King, and a third spade. West won, and exited with the Heart Queen, which South trumped. South eventually lost two Diamonds and a Club and went down one. 


If declarer runs all the Spades, there are some very possible squeeze prospects. However, declarer is going to have to read the opponent’s discards really well to do it. There is a much easier way. Declarer has four possible losers. He eliminates one by playing low on the opening lead. What can West do? Another Heart lead gives declarer two Heart tricks. A Club, Diamond or Spade lead gives declarer a trick in that suit, and a discard on the Heart Ace. This is truly not easy to see at the table.

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