Sunday, May 26, 2002		Bridge

East unkindly switched to the two of hearts
Omar Sharif

THERE are a number of catch-phrases in bridge. "Second hand plays low", is one that applies equally to declarer and defenders.

The trouble is that there are always exceptions — it may be vital for a defender to break the rule in order to preserve his partner’s entry and, as in this week’s hand, there can be a clear-cut case for declarer departing from the norm.

South dealt at game all and opened One Club. North responded One Spade, South rebid One No-trump and North raised to game. West had no attractive lead and chose the seven of Spades in spite of the suit having been bid on his left.

The first move seemed completely natural to declarer — he played low from dummy and guaranteed himself at least two tricks in Spades.

So he did, but East won with the King and unkindly switched to the two of Hearts. The defenders persevered with Hearts and, when eventually South had to tackle Clubs, East got in and cashed the last Heart.

What should declarer have done? Forget all about "Second hand plays low"!

If he wins the opening lead with dummy’s Ace and tackles Clubs immediately, there is no way that the defenders can come to more than four tricks.

Try it out, placing the King and Jack of Spades where you like. In the worst possible case, if West has led from S K72, they cannot take more than three tricks in the suit.