After initially passing opposite partner’s weak notrump opening, I elected to compete with three diamonds taking partner for more values in the minor suits after North showed majors. This decision could have proved costly since two spades can be defeated by two tricks on best defence and three diamonds doubled isn’t a walk in the park.
Placing East with all the missing diamonds I ducked West’s spade lead to East’s king who surprisingly exited with the K♥ won by my ace. I crossed to dummy with a spade continuing with a low diamond covered by East’s eight, jack with West showing out. Crossing to dummy’s A♠, I continued Q♥ and J♥ ruffed by East’s nine and I discarded a club. East played a club to partner’s ace who exited a heart ruffed by East’s ten & overruffed with the ace. I played a low club to the king, followed by a club ruffed low in hand and East could only take one more trick when my 7♦ forced out the king.
When faced with difficult problems such as those displayed on hands like these, the player who keeps calm, slows down and thinks clearly about the options and inferences from the bidding will maximise their chances of success. Worrying about how to make the contract rather than whether you should be in it will stand you in good stead and whatever happens – don’t panic!
© First published in Australian Bridge. June 2019.