Deal Us In: Entry management can be key to defense

How do you make six clubs when West leads the Jack of diamonds? The North-South bidding was a bit aggressive, but the slam seems to depend on the finesse through East, who had opened the bidding. After South won with the ace of diamonds, he cashed the ace of spades and tried to reach the dummy by ruffing a spade. East over-ruffed with his king and led a trump. South could not escape losing a heart to the ace and went down one trick.

South has no easy entry to the dummy, but he can compel the defense to provide one. South could take the ace of spades at trick two and next lead a heart to the king. When East takes the ace, any return gives South a win in the dummy to pick up the trump. South can then return to his hand to lead the hearts and make the slam.

Things to remember: Bridge is a partnership game — you cannot play alone. If you are not sure that your partner will not recognize a convention, don’t try using it. The opponents are also trying to win; congratulate them if they get a good result. This is a friendly game if you make it that. If bridge is not fun for you, find another game.

Donna Swan is a resident of Longboat Key, an ardent bridge player and an American Contract Bridge League certified director who plays “for the fun of it.”

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