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BRIDGE

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.

East won the diamond continuation but smartly switched to a heart for the six, queen and ace.

West was a prime candidate for a major suit squeeze as long as he held the heart king. Therefore, declarer reeled off seven trump winners to reach a three - card ending.

West was compelled to retain the heart king and thus had to part with two spades. Declarer won the last three tricks with the king, ace and seven of spades. If West discards the heart king, declarer's jack of hearts would provide the game-fulfilling winner.

South would have an easy time corralling eleven tricks when East plays a third diamond because the ace of hearts would furnish an entry to the fifth spade. Declarer could ruff two spades, draw trump and enjoy the fifth spade.

The heart switch had been an effective defense but was not sufficient to set the game when declarer played for a major suit squeeze. It was somewhat fortunate that West owned both the king and queen of hearts or the contract would have failed.

South's resolve to overcall at the three-level was a tad aggressive but North's advance to three spades was forcing. South rebid his seven-card club suit and North, holding three aces, advanced to the minor suit game.

PUZZLES & GAMES

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2023-01-28T08:00:00.0000000Z

2023-01-28T08:00:00.0000000Z

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