The Bridge Corner
By Gary Mitchell, March 23, 2007

Opening Lead: Heart Two

The bidding explained: North’s 4 Spade bid promised at least three Spades and 12-15 points. South decided not to make a slam try. As it happens, this was a wise decision!

The play: East wins the opening Heart lead, and returns a low Heart, which tells West that his entry is in Clubs. West trumps and returns a Club. East wins the Ace and returns a Club. You win in dummy. There are four trumps out now. Do you play for the drop of the Queen or finesse, and why?

If you were East and had one or two little Spades, wouldn’t you lead another Heart, hoping partner had the Queen or King? Of course you would. So, when East did not return another Heart, it is because East has the guarded Queen, and doesn’t want declarer to know that West cannot over trump the dummy. Take the finesse!

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