BRIDGE

South won the spade ace, led a heart to the queen and drew trump with the ace. A club to the ace was followed by another for the king. East returned the king of spades tapping declarer but a diamond loser was now unavoidable, N-S +450.

Twelve tricks were available on this layout with double-dummy play. After a club to the ace, South ruffs a spade and exits with a low club for the bare king.

East cannot continue with a spade since this would be a ruff and a sluff where declarer would discard a diamond from hand and ruff in dummy to score an overtrick. Thus, he must switch to a diamond and should choose the queen.

However, Restricted Choice considerations should convince declarer to play West for the jack of diamonds. He should win the ace and continue with a diamond to the ten to corral twelve tricks.

West's pre-emptive jump raise was a risky action at this vulnerability and he could not have been happy when partner advanced to game.

N-S could achieve their best possible result via a double where a multi-trick set would be imminent. Author: Dave Willis - visit his website at www.insidebridge.ca Questions 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