Bridge Corner
By Gary Mitchell, Feb 2, 2007

The bidding

North’s raise to 2NT promises 8 or 9 points and no interest in the major suits. South has a maximum, so bids the game.

The play

East wins the opening lead, and being a gentleman, returns his partner’s suit. Declarer wins, and takes the Diamond finesse. It loses, but nine tricks are now assured. There is a bridge rule that states “Return your partner’s suit.” But don’t forget that rules must sometimes be broken. So, the other part of the rule might be “unless there is a good reason not to.” Today’s hand illustrates the need for thought that leads to following the second part of the rule! 

From West’s lead of the Spade two, East knows that West has only four Spades. Therefore, South also has four Spades. North/South have one Spade more than East/West do. You know that, but your partner does not. There is very little hope that returning a Spade will be good for your side. So, try a Heart. Partner will win the King, and trusting you to have a very good reason for not returning a Spade, he will return your suit. You clear the Heart suit, and when in with the Diamond Queen, you set the contract by cashing your Hearts.

If your partner’s opening Spade lead had been a card that made it impossible to tell whether it was from a four-card suit or a longer suit, leading back partner’s suit would have been not only correct, but also prudent!

Questions: gary@smabridge.com. 

Lessons: 152-6351.