bridge
David Bird

With a nine-loser hand, South could have been excused for passing instead of opening a 12-14 point INT. North bid Stayman, found a spade fit, and then quite rightly made a game try rather than leaping to game. South declined the invitation, not surprisingly, and the ten of trumps was led. Take the East cards now. What will you play next after winning the trump lead with the ace? At the table, East gave the matter insufficient thought and returned another trump. Declarer drew the last trump, played three rounds of clubs (eliminating that suit) and exited with a diamond. The defenders were powerless. After taking their three diamond winners, they had to open the heart suit or to concede a ruff-and-discard. West in fact won the third round of diamonds and exited with the five of hearts. Declarer played low from the dummy and was now destined to score three heart tricks, whether East contributed his queen or not. At trick 2 East should have played the ace of diamonds, followed by the queen. The defenders could then have taken their three tricks in that suit, existed safely in clubs or trumps, and waited patiently for the setting trick in hearts.

What would you rebid on the West cards?

Answer

There is little point in showing the spades because partner has denied a four-card spade suit. You have some help towards his stoppers in the red suits and the practical rebid is 3NT. A jump rebid of 3C would be invitational but not forcing. You are too strong for that call. Awards: 3NT-10, 2S-7, 3C-4.

— Knight Features

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