BRIDGE

BRIDGE

Both vulnerable, North deals.

NORTH

xA 8 7

u10

vK J 6 5

wA 9 6 5 2

WEST EAST

x5 3 2 xK Q J 6

u5 4 uA Q 8 6 3 2

v8 7 4 v9 3

wK 10 8 7 4 wJ

SOUTH

x10 9 4

uK J 9 7

vA Q 10 2

wQ 3

The bidding:

NORTH EAST SOUTH WEST

1w 1u 3NT All pass

Opening lead: Seven of w

There are times when you shouldn’t lead partner’s suit. A singleton in partner’s suit with a good suit of your own is one possible time. Most of the time, however, it is best to lead partner’s suit.

West allowed South’s aggressive jump to three no trump to put him off a heart lead. He tried leading his own suit, which was not a success on this deal. The opening club lead went to the jack and queen. South crossed to dummy with a diamond and led the 10 of hearts, which held the trick.

Declarer next led a low spade from the dummy. East stepped up with the jack of spades, winning the trick, and continued with the king of spades. This clarified the spade suit for South, who won with his ace, cashed the ace of clubs and three more diamonds, and then exited with his last spade. East could cash the long spade, but then had to give South another heart trick for his ninth trick.

Note what would happen on a heart lead. East would probably win the ace of hearts and shift to a spade. South would win the first or second spade and could then set up the same end-play on East. East would be forced to give declarer a second heart trick, but that would only be the eighth trick. The defense would prevail. West is still apologizing for his club lead.

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