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BRIDGE
 North’s
cue-bid of 2 C showed a sound raise of partner’s spade suit. (A
direct raise of spades, to any level, would have been pre-emptive.)
When South indicated a non-minimum overcall by showing a second suit,
North was happy to bid the spade game. How would you play this
contract when West leads the two of clubs, East winning with the king
and continuing with the club ace? You ruff the second club and West
unblocks the club queen. You are now down to four trumps — the same
number as one of the defenders, should the trumps break 4-1. When you
play the queen and ten of trumps, East shows out. You must now take
steps to circumvent the blockage in the diamond suit. Do you see what
is necessary? You must cash the ace and king of diamonds before
playing another trump. West follow, you are pleased to see, and you
return to your hand with a third round to trumps. When you draw West’s
last trump, you throw the blocking queen of diamonds from the dummy.
You can then score three more diamond tricks in your hand, making the
game.
What would you say now
on the West cards?
Answer
You want to play in game
but it is risky to bid 3NT with no club stop. Even if partner does
hold, say, K-x in clubs the lead will come through this holding rather
than up to it. It is best to continue with 2S. Although this reverse
by responder tends to suggest five hearts, you can always revert to
diamonds if partner gives you unwanted heart support.
Awards: 2S-10, 3NT-7,
4D/3D-3.
David Bird
— Knight Features
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