Bookworm Bridge Conundrums #26

This conundrum was written by Julian Pottage and was originally published in the book Defend or Declare - you can find out all about it further down the page.

Opening Lead: ♠J

The original declarer ruffed the spade lead in dummy, came to hand with a trump, ruffed another spade and returned to hand with the K. After that came a second top trump and two top diamonds. When East showed out, prospects took a nosedive. A single ruff would no longer suffice to set up a diamond winner. When declarer led a heart in an attempt to get back to dummy, West ruffed in with the ♣Q and played a spade to East’s ace. Even if West had been unable to ruff in until the third round of hearts, the contract would still have failed.

In broad terms, if both minors broke 3-2, this line would have worked whenever East had either three diamonds or three clubs. The defenders would be unable to get in to cash the spade in time. Is there a line that caters to more hostile breaks?

About the book

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An unusual problem format, it gave the reader all four hands and challenged them to analyze the deal and decide whether they wanted to play or defend. This sequel comprises 72 problems, presented in the same unique fashion, and will appeal to the same readership.

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