The Aces On Bridge by Bobby Wolff

Today’s deal is a declarer-play problem in three no-trump, although four hearts by North would be far easier. 

Opening Lead: ♠9

Let’s see how to get to the right spot after East opens one spade. South is too heavy for a one-no-trump overcall, so he doubles. North bids two hearts, planning to compete to three hearts if necessary. Now East should not bid two spades — he has nothing extra but a sixth spade. But whether East joins in with two spades or not, South should bid two no-trump, and North should explore delicately with three spades — pick a game, partner. When South sensibly opts for four hearts, 11 tricks should be the result.

However, what is the best play in three no-trump by South, after the less sophisticated auction shown here? West leads the spade nine, and East must duck the trick, even if declarer carefully puts up dummy’s jack. After all, if declarer has K-10-7 of spades, nothing will stop him from taking three tricks; and by ducking the first spade, East may preserve communication in the spade suit.

Let’s say declarer misses the point and plays low from dummy, winning the first spade in hand with the 10. He must now go to dummy with the club king and run first the heart queen, then the heart jack. East sensibly ducks twice to block the suit, so now declarer abandons hearts and simply takes the club finesse. When it succeeds, declarer has three hearts, three clubs, two diamonds and one spade.

Lead with the aces

This Hand of the Day was originally published on aces.bridgeblogging.com.

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