The Bridge Corner
By Gary Mitchell

Opening Lead: Spade five


The bidding explained: South’s 1NT overcall promised the values of a 1NT opening, plus the opponent’s suit stopped. North’s raise promised 8-9 points, and South decided to go for the gold.


The play: East bid Diamonds, and the lead should have been a Diamond. But West was the type of bridge player who liked to live dangerously! When you fail to lead partner’s suit, you had better be right, or you are not going to enjoy the rest of the day. East played the spade King at trick one and South won the trick, assuring himself of a second Spade trick. Declarer now led a Heart which East won. East led the Spade eight, and West allowed the 10 to win. Declarer could now take eight tricks, but needed a Club for nine. When declarer led a Club, East won and led another spade. West took enough Spades to defeat the contract.

When West led a Spade at trick one, South should have realized that this had to be from a long suit. It is also clear that East’s opening bid had to include both missing Aces. So, declarer should forego the second Spade trick, and play low on the first two Spades, winning the third. Then start on Clubs and Hearts. The defenders get two Spades and two Aces, but that is all. 

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