The Bridge Corner
By Gary Mitchell





Opening Lead: Diamond Ace


The bidding explained: South made a Take-Out Double instead of overcalling, as an overcall has an upper limit of 17 points. Then South just bid what he thought might make. 

The play: West led Diamonds because he knew the defense was not getting a lot of Spade tricks, and hoped for a Diamond ruff. East won the second Diamond and returned a low Diamond. South trumped high. Declarer now led a Heart to the 10, and took the Club finesse. It lost, and when West returned a trump, Declarer wound up losing two Diamonds and two Clubs. 

If Declarer had been dealt another small Club, instead of the Queen, he would not have gone down. The Club finesse is a mirage. You don’t need it. Just lead Clubs from your hand. You can then trump one Club low, and one Club with the 10. The defenders cannot stop you.

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