Cutting Communications

6^th February – Board 2: North/South Vul. Dealer East.

All roads would probably lead to a 3NT contract on the deal below and although the contract can be made double dummy the bad splits are more than likely to cause disappointment in the N/S camp. But there is a lesson to be learned nonetheless….

	North: S A K 10 7 3 H A K D K Q J C J 7 4
West: S Q J 9 6 5 H Q 10 6 2 D 8 C Q 10 6		East: S 4 H 9 8 5 D 10 9 5 2 C A 9 8 3 2
	South: S 8 2 H J 7 4 3 D A 7 6 4 3 C K 5

West	North	East	South
		No	No
No	2NT	No	3C
No	3S	No	3NT
End

East will undoubtedly lead the three of clubs and to ensure a trick in the suit declarer will play low from dummy. West wins with the queen and returns the ten NOT the six. If you are returning partner’s suit you lead back the top of a remaining doubleton and the original fourth best from any longer holding. This is important because now East can play low on the return knowing declarer has the jack. Declarer will win his club trick earlier but when he loses the lead to West – as he will do at some time – West will still have a club to play to his partner who can cash three more tricks in the suit. A really good e-book has been written on defence. Can’t remember who wrote it though.