The Bridge Corner
By Gary Mitchell

The bidding explained: North’s 1NT rebid promised a balanced 13-14 points. South’s two Clubs was a new suit, therefore forcing. North gave a delayed Spade raise, showing three Spades. South then asked for Aces, and settled into the small slam.

The play: Declarer pulled trump and then led a Diamond from her hand. West looked declarer in the eye and asked, “Is that a singleton?” Declarer replied, “I cannot tell a lie, so, yes it is.”

West said “thank you” and grabbed his Ace. Declarer discarded two Clubs on the top two Diamonds and made her contract. West was so eager to make sure he got his one trick, he gifted declarer her contract. The correct play is to let declarer have her Diamond trick. Think about it. If declarer has more than one Diamond it doesn’t hurt. If declarer has a singleton Diamond you are giving declarer a trick. But just one trick. By going up with the Ace, you are giving declarer two tricks. A poor trade, I must say. But it is the Season!

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