SURE THING BRIDGE PUZZLE

East-West vulnerable, South deals

Opening lead: King of

♣

The vulnerability kept East-West silent, or they might have competed successfully in clubs. North’s jump to four spades showed a very weak hand with a spade fit. A simple raise to three spades would have promised a bit more.

South ruffed the opening club lead and took some time to plan the play. The contract was cold on a normal 3-2 split in diamonds. Some 4-1 splits could be handled with careful play, particularly when East was the opponent with four diamonds. What could be done if West had four diamonds? South found a line of play that was sure to succeed. Can you spot it?

South led a spade to dummy’s queen at trick two, ruffed dummy’s remaining club high in his hand, and cashed the king of spades. He then cashed the ace of diamonds, the ace of hearts, and exited with a low heart. Whoever won the third heart would be end-played. East, on this lie of the cards, would be forced to yield a ruff-sluff. West could lead the queen of diamonds, but South would just duck that and West would have to surrender.

Finally, if East won the third heart and could lead a diamond, South would just cover whatever diamond East led and assure his contract. Very nicely played!