BRIDGE

Declarer put up the heart king and played off the the ace and king of spades to finish down one.

Declarer should be quite suspicious when West fails to lead a “safe” trump versus the grand slam. Why would he select a heart instead? The most likely reason is that he holds the queen of spades!

Declarer should, therefore, cash a top spade, cross to the ace of clubs and advance the jack of spades. He should finesse when West contributes the remaining spot-card to bring home the grand slam. North chose to rocket into a grand slam when partner disclosed one control. A better plan would be to ask for the trump queen by continuing with five diamonds. South's five spade rebid would deny the queen of spades. In this scenario, would North settle for a small slam?

The queen of spades is a slight favorite to drop but West's opening lead suggested otherwise.

Only one other pair drove to the major suit grand slam where South corralled thirteen tricks when West mistakenly covered the jack of spades on the second round.