Bridge

There are a number of suit positions such as Q,x in hand and A,x,x in dummy where declarer in a no-trump contract is assured of a double- guard as long as the lead comes from his left-hand opponent. The spade position on this deal was another example.

South opened 1#, North responded 22, and South rebid 2NT (suggesting minimum values for his opening). With something to spare North went on to game and West chose #Q for his opening lead against 3NT.

Declarer saw matters in a simple light: there would be eight tricks after he had knocked out !A and a ninth if either the hearts or the clubs divided evenly. Accordingly, he won with dummy's #A and led !Q. East took his ace immediately and returned a careful 42 in order to give his partner a count in the suit. When declarer played the 10, West won and was confident enough to clear the suit with the lead of a low card. Now, when neither hearts nor clubs behaved, South was a trick short.

Any suggestions? What about a low club to the eight at trick two? Remember, the spades were safe from attack from the West side. Now whatever West plays when he has won the club, there is plenty of time to drive out the !A and come to nine tricks.

Would there have been any defence? Well, East could have gone in with 2J on the second trick! But that would have been sheer clairvoyance with the club position guessed just as it was.

Game all; dealer South

North

4J 8 4

!Q J 2

#A 2

2A Q 6 5 3

West East

4K Q 5 3 49 7 6 2

!9 6 !A 10 8 7

#Q J 9 8 7 #5

210 9 2J 7 4 2

South

4A 10

!K 5 4 3

#K 10 6 4 3

2K 8