The Bridge Corner
By Gary Mitchell

The bidding explained: South’s 2H bid, a new suit at a new level by responder, is referred to as a 2 over 1. A bid at this level promises a minimum of ten High Card Points and if a major, at least five cards in the suit. Yes, South lied by a point. I can count. Quit being such a stickler for the rules. J 

Opposite that promised holding, North could easily place the contract. 

The play: Declarer wins the opening Spade lead and pulls three rounds of trump. Then plays the top three Diamonds. When Diamonds fail to break, Declarer now leads a Club to the King, praying that East has the Ace. Have you heard this before? Down one!

When the opponents hold an odd number of cards in a suit they will break as evenly as an odd number can, more times than not. However, when they hold an even number, they will break off center more often than evenly. This fact will help you play many hands.

Win the Spade lead and pull two rounds of trump, leaving the Ace in dummy. Now play two rounds of Diamonds. Then lead a small Diamond and trump it. A Heart to the Ace and discard two Clubs on the two good Diamonds. Then lead a Club towards the King, trying for an overtrick. You can expect the Hearts to break 3-2 most of the time. However, expect the Diamonds to break 4-2 more often than 3-3.

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