BRIDGE

South ruffed in dummy, cashed two clubs discarding a spade and continued with a spade. East rose with the king to return a diamond taken on the table. South trumped a spade and advanced the queen of hearts for a ruffing finesse. West's king was ruffed away and South swiftly drew trump to finish with an overtrick.

The opening lead had been a colossal failure on this layout. The selection of a spade would ensure E-W of two defensive tricks and jeopardize the game. Declarer is still likely to prevail but, at least, would be restricted to the contract.

North's leap to the minor suit game may seem aggressive but partner was marked with heart length and had promised six or more diamonds.

Three-card diamond support, a heart void and club length and strength warranted strong action. Note that if North offers an invitation to the minor suit game, South would pass in an instant.

E-W own a nine-card heart fit but the 4-0 heart division will be an issue even at favorable vulnerability. Declarer must lose two hearts, two clubs and a diamond.

It is certainly questionable that a majority of N-S pairs would drive to five diamonds.

Author: Dave Willis - visit his website at www.insidebridge.ca

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