NORTH's 2C shows a sound spade raise and South is happy to bid game. How would you play 4S when West leads the diamond queen? With six trumps facing four, it is natural to think of elimination play. Suppose you draw trumps, eliminate the red suits and lead a club from dummy, hoping to duck the trick to West. This plan is unlikely to succeed. East will insert a high card (the 9 or 8 here) to prevent you ducking the trick to West. If West has four diamonds, a better plan is to endplay him with the fourth round of diamonds, throwing a club from your hand. There is one possible snag. If East gains the lead in diamonds, he will lead a club through your A-Q-2. So, at Trick 1 you must make the avoidance play of a low card from dummy. East cannot afford to overtake because your A-10 would then be worth two tricks. East plays low and West continues with a low diamond. You win with the ace and dislodge the ace of trumps. When West exits with a trump you win and ruff a diamond, bringing down East’s king. You play the king and ace of hearts and lead the ten of diamonds, throwing the club two. West wins and has to lead into your club
tenace.
What will you bid?
Answer It is too much of a gamble to double 1NT when partner has opened in the third seat and you hold only eight points. A better idea is to bid 2S, where there is every change of success. Partner will know you are not particularly strong because (a) you did not open the bidding and (b) you did not double 1NT.
NORTH's 2C shows a sound spade raise and South is happy to bid game. How would you play 4S when West leads the diamond queen? With six trumps facing four, it is natural to think of elimination play. Suppose you draw trumps, eliminate the red suits and lead a club from dummy, hoping to duck the trick to West. This plan is unlikely to succeed. East will insert a high card (the 9 or 8 here) to prevent you ducking the trick to West. If West has four diamonds, a better plan is to endplay him with the fourth round of diamonds, throwing a club from your hand. There is one possible snag. If East gains the lead in diamonds, he will lead a club through your A-Q-2. So, at Trick 1 you must make the avoidance play of a low card from dummy. East cannot afford to overtake because your A-10 would then be worth two tricks. East plays low and West continues with a low diamond. You win with the ace and dislodge the ace of trumps. When West exits with a trump you win and ruff a diamond, bringing down East’s king. You play the king and ace of hearts and lead the ten of diamonds, throwing the club two. West wins and has to lead into your club
tenace.
Answer