BRIDGE

East topped the king with the ace to play another club as declarer ruffed to begin trump. West played a third club as declarer ruffed again, extracted the last spade and claimed the contract, N-S +450.

North revealed a forcing spade raise and South disclosed a singleton diamond (although he could shown a singleton club).

North cuebid the heart ace and South rebid 4NT to ask for controls. He quickly signed off at five spades when the reply disclosed two controls and the spade queen.

South was hoping that partner would own three controls rendering slam an excellent proposition. Possession of the queen of spades was not important since there was at least a ten-card spade fit.

E-W own a ten-card diamond fit and a 4-4 club fit. A diamond contract has three obvious losers but E-W could not find a way into the auction. The adverse vulnerability was a roadblock since a doubled two-trick set would concede 500 points which is more than the value of the non-vulnerable N-S game.

South had opened light but the 6-5 pattern in the majors offered great potential if a fit could be found. 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