BRIDGE
Declarer ruffed in dummy and drew trump in three rounds. He cashed four clubs and advanced a diamond but put up the ace to finish with eleven tricks.
South was unwilling to take a diamond finesse because the contract would fail when the hook loses and the opponents cash three spade tricks. Declarer should opt for a diamond hook since West is likely to hold the king.
However, double-dummy, South could win all thirteen tricks. At trick two, he plays a club to hand and ruffs another spade with the queen of hearts. He cashes the heart ace and leads another, inserting the ten. The jack of hearts is extracted and the clubs are unblocked where a diamond finesse yields all thirteen tricks.
The auction disclosed that North held a spade void and four-card heart support. South should venture six clubs instead of five hearts because North was certain to own at least five clubs.
North's most probable distribution is 0,4,4,5 and he will have no trouble bringing home the minor suit slam by negotiating three spade ruffs.
The question is -- would North pass six clubs or correct to six hearts?
Author: Dave Willis - visit his website at www.insidebridge.ca Questions on bridge 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.
PUZZLES & GAMES
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2023-06-03T07:00:00.0000000Z
2023-06-03T07:00:00.0000000Z
https://saltwire.pressreader.com/article/282218015177985
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