BRIDGE

East won the spade continuation but elected to switch to a heart for partner's ace. Declarer could win any exit, draw trump and claim ten tricks.

East was confronted with a problem after winning the second spade. Declarer was marked with the ace or king of hearts since West would have led that suit with

both ace and king.

East could count eleven tricks for South via six diamonds and five clubs if he continued with a third spade. Declarer could potentially ruff high, draw trump and run the clubs.

A spade continuation would only be right when West held the nine of diamonds. A third spade would deliver a trump promotion restricting declarer to nine tricks. West would overruff the eight-spot and cash the heart ace or score a trump trick if South ruffs high.

North reasonably declined to bid 3NT since he owned virtually nothing of value in the major suits. However, at several tables, North did somehow become declarer at 3NT. He is off five spade tricks and the ace of hearts but East was confronted with an opening lead problem.

A heart lead to the ace followed by a switch to the jack of spades would sink the game. The selection of a top spade would block the suit and the defense could not win more than four tricks! Questions can be sent with a stamped, self-addressed envelope to The New Canadian Bridge c/o Torstar Syndication Services, One Yonge St., Toronto, M5E 1E6