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Coast Bridge with C. P. Shah

He could not be denied Nine tricks - via one Spade,
Four Hearts, Three Diamonds and one Club

Coastweek - - The following hand was played in the World Championships. In one room Declarer went down Three tricks and in another room Declarer made the contract on the same lead.






      DEALER:       WEST         EAST-WEST VULNERABLE                BIDDING: 

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1. Weak Two - 5-10 Points & Good Six - Card Suit.

West led his King of Spades and Declarer saw no reason to duck - East's Ten being marked as a singleton.

Should he play on Diamonds or Clubs?

Declarer opted for Clubs.

He led his singleton King at trick Two, East ducking his Ace.

Crossing to the Knave of Hearts, he next led the Queen of Clubs (to pin the Knave or Nine Doubleton in West's hand).

East won the Ace, West following with the Nine, and led a second Heart.

Winning Dummy's Queen, Declarer advanced the Ten of Clubs, hoping it was East who held the Knave - no good, West won the Knave and cashed Five Spade tricks.

Down three.

In other room Declarer opted to play on Diamonds.

After winning the Ace of Spades, he played Diamond to the Knave.

East won the King and returned a Heart.

Declarer won the Knave, unblocked the Ace of Diamonds and followed with a Club.

He could not be denied Nine tricks - via one Spade, Four Hearts, Three Diamonds and one Club.

Game made.

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