BRIDGE

Declarer put up dummy's king and led a club for the king and ace. West continued with another trump and the contract finished down one since declarer could score only seven tricks via six spades and a club, N-S -200.

The contract might still have been defeated when West begins with a heart or a diamond. The defenders must play spades twice to prevent declarer from scoring a diamond ruff in dummy that would yield an eighth winner. A lead of the club ace would hand declarer the contract on a platter.

East's resolve to double two spades announced that this deal belonged to E-W but did not necessarily promise a trump stack, however he denied spade shortness.

West was in tough spot because he held a minimum opening bid and had nowhere to go. Partner would not own three hearts and West did not possess length in either minor suit. He, therefore, elected to pass the double hoping to set the partscore.

East could manage nine tricks in a diamond partscore but 2NT would be an abysmal landing when South begins with a spade and scores six spade tricks.

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.