BRIDGE

West selected the four of diamonds that proved to be a disastrous beginning. Declarer won dummy's ten and drove out the ace of clubs.

East shifted to the king of spades but it was too late. South grabbed the ace, unblocked the diamond ace and finished the clubs. He continued with a heart to the king, cashed the king of diamonds and led a heart. When the queen appeared, he could claim twelve tricks.

East should have discarded the spade queen, retaining the heart guard, but South would likely have opted for a heart finesse anyway.

South's resolve to respond 3NT was an egregious error. A 4-4 heart fit might be present and there was also the possibility of a club slam.

In truth, a two club response would elicit a 2NT rebid by partner that South would raise to the nine-trick game. N-S received a tie for top for this result.

West was the guilty party on this occasion. His diamond suit was emaciated and he held no entry. The auction revealed that South held spade shortness and thus he should select the jack of spades as an opening shot. This beginning would restrict declarer to the contract because the defense would corral three spades and the ace of clubs.

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