The Bridge Corner
By Gary Mitchell, May 4, 2007

Opening Lead: Heart King

The play: Declarer had seen this kind of problem before. South does not want East to be able to lead a Diamond, so plays low at trick one, and wins the second Heart. After pulling two rounds of trump, declarer now plays three rounds of Clubs, hoping that Clubs are 3-3, and that West will win the third Club. Clubs are 3-3, but East wins and leads a Diamond, for down one. 

Well. Could it have been made? Can you set up the Clubs without losing a Club to East?

Okay, win the second Heart lead, pull trump and play the King and Ace of Clubs. Now, lead the Heart Ten. When East plays low, discard your last Club from your hand. West is in. If West leads a Heart, it gives you a ruff/sluff. A Diamond lead solves your Diamond problem. If West has another Club and leads it, you trump, go to dummy with a Spade to discard a Diamond on the fourth Club. You only lose if Clubs are 4-2 and West has the fourth. Even then, you can try a Diamond to the King as a last ditch effort.

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