BRIDGE

The queen of clubs was covered by the king and ace. Declarer crossed to the king of hearts to advance a low diamond for the nine, queen and deuce. South abandoned trump and cashed three more hearts, discarding two spades from the table. He finished with nine tricks losing a club. a spade and two trump tricks for a modest +110.

The play of a second diamond would have sunk the contract but South wisely reverted to heart winners. If East had been able to ruff, it would have been at the expense of a trump winner.

South's two heart rebid showed game interest but North signed off at three diamonds. He should venture 2NT, in my view, holding a balanced hand with a club stopper. This action will end the auction where East is likely to choose a fourth best club as an opening shot.

North wins the queen to continue with a diamond for dummy's queen. The play of another diamond brings bad news and sinks the contract when West shows out. The defense will then be entitled to six tricks and earn a one-trick set.