The Bridge Corner,
By Gary Mitchell

Dealer: South

Opening Lead: Spade Queen

The bidding explained: This is an easy auction. North raises to game with her 10 count.

The play: You win the opening lead and attack Diamonds. They win the Ace, lead another Spade and you have eight tricks. You eventually lead a Club, they take the Ace and their Spade tricks. Down one. 

With the opening Spade lead you should see that with four Diamond tricks you only have eight tricks. You need trick nine and it has to come from the Club suit. Well, you did that, you say, and it didn’t work. You are right. Only because when you got around to leading a Club, the defenders knew what was going on. Win the spade lead in dummy and lead the Club Jack at trick two. If East has the Ace, it looks like you are finessing for the Queen!! East just might play low. If he does, you just got your Club trick. Now play on Diamonds and make your contract. Should East fall for it? This game is so easy when you are looking at all four hands. 

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