The Bridge Corner
By Gary Mitchell

Opening Lead: Diamond Ace


The bidding explained: A basic Stayman auction uncovered the 4-4 Heart fit, and the correct game was bid.

The play: West took his top two Diamonds and led a third Diamond, South discarding a Club. Declarer then played the Heart Ace, continuing with the Heart Jack, taking the finesse. This lost to West, and West led a Spade. Declarer won, finished pulling trump and decided to finesse East for the Club Queen. After all, if West had the Heart Queen, it is only fair that East have the Club Queen. The contract went down one. 

There is an old bridge saw, “A good bridge player knows when to take a finesse, but an expert knows when not to.”

The odds are 2-1 that the Hearts will break 3-2. So, do not take the finesse, but just play the Ace and King. If the Queen does not fall, play your top three Spades. Then exit with a Heart. Whoever wins the Queen will be end-played. A Club lead finds the Queen for declarer, and any other lead gives you a ruff and a sluff, again solving your Club problem.

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