A FAIRLY short column this week . . . because I missed my regular deadline!I try not to get too complicated in the hands I put in the column but this one, a simple strip and end play, is not only a nice hand, but has some real instructional aspects on how to plan and execute a winning line.

Declarer was Huseyin Bakan, a member of the Turkish Junior Team, in their match against Poland in the European Youth Team Championships.

Board 1: Dealer North. None Vulnerable.North

[spade]6

[heart]J 8 7 5 3

[diamond]Q 9 8 7 3

[club]Q 4

West East<$>

[spade]A J 10 9 5 4 2 [spade]Q 8

[heart]6 4 [heart]K 2

[diamond]10 [diamond]A J 6 4

[club]10 9 8 [club]A 7 6 3 2

South

[spade]K 7 3

[heart]A Q 10 9

[diamond]K 5 2

[club]K J 5

>West North East South

Anter Buras Bakan Araskiewi$>

— Pass 1NT Pass

2|0xa4| Pass 2[spade] Pass

4[spade] Pass Pass PassFor Poland, Konrad Araskiewicz made the normal lead of a low spade into the 15-17 no trump on his right and Bakan ran this to his queen then repeated the spade finesse and cashed the spade ace. Next he passed the club ten to South’s jack and Araskiewicz was in difficulties.

He solved his problem by exiting with the king of diamonds to declarer’s ace but the reprieve was only temporary. Bakan won the ace of diamonds and ruffed a diamond then led the nine of clubs to the queen and ace.

Next came the key play, a second diamond ruff. When Bakan now played the third club to Araskiewicz’s king, South had only hearts left and had to lead up to declarer’s king to give the contract. Very nicely played.