BRIDGE

when the to the the East table. ten the ace erroneously of seven South hearts. of diamonds was ruffed He put played judged and to up advance the crossed from to ace play with the the king heart when four. East West followed produced the ace, cashed a second heart but switched to the spade seven. Declarer hopped with the ace and attempted to draw trump but West's discard on the second round sealed his fate. South had to lose a trump and the jack of hearts and the game was down one. The lie of the heart suit combined with a 4-1 trump division had resulted in defeat. The good news was that West would succeed in the minor suit game, losing only a diamond and a spade trick. However, there was no chance that West would venture the minor suit game because North had doubled four clubs for penalty. South's decision to open the bidding with a paltry 8 HCP was based upon upon his remarkable distribution, 6-6 in the majors. If a major suit fit existed, South would do very well in a major suit game. Author: Dave Willis - visit his website at www.insidebridge.ca Questions can be sent with a stamped, self-addressed envelope to The New Canadian Bridge c/o Torstar Syndication Services, One Yonge St., Toronto, M5E 1E6