The Bridge Corner
By Gary Mitchell

Opening Lead: Heart Seven

The bidding explained: Whenever opener’s second bid is 1NT, it promises a balanced or semi-balanced minimum.


The play: West hated his choice of leads, so decided to lead dummy’s suit. That is a dangerous tactic, but it works well this time. East wins the Queen and leads a Diamond. West wins the Queen and plays another Heart to East’s Ace. Another Diamond goes to West’s Ace, and West leads a third Diamond. You have lost four tricks and are now on lead. You have three Spades, one Heart, two Diamonds and two Clubs. Eight tricks, one short. Maybe there is a doubleton Queen of Clubs around. It’s worth a try. However, it is highly unlikely. Your better chance here is a swindle. Did you notice the spots on the play of the three Diamond tricks? First Diamond trick: the 9, 10, Q, 6. Second Diamond trick: the 8, J, A, 5. Third Diamond trick the 7, 4, (discard by East), K.

You have the 3 in dummy and the 2 in your hand. Do you think East knows this? Not a chance! Play three rounds of Spades and two rounds of Clubs and the Heart King. You are all down to two cards. The dummy has the Diamond 3, and Heart 2. East has the Heart 9 and Club Queen. Now lead the Diamond 3. If East thinks you are winning this trick in your hand, he will discard his Heart to save the Club Queen. Oops!!

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