NOT a lot to report this week. The Junior Pairs and Non- Life Master Pairs first session was held last Wednesday and with the second session set for next Wednesday, the results will be in the week after.Also, the ‘Not So Crazy Bridge’ evening on Saturday, March 31 has nearly reached its maximum of 40 pairs — there’s a sign-up sheet at the club.

Today’s hand, first reported by the excellent David Bird in the London Evening Stard<$>, has a number of twists and turns.

Both Vulnerable. Dealer South.

North

[spade]J 5 2

[heart]Q 7 2

[diamond]10 7 3

[club]J 7 2West East<$>

[spade]None [spade]9 4 3

[heart]8 6 5 4 [heart]K J 9

[diamond]K Q J 6 [diamond]9 8 5 4 2

[club]K 9 6 5 3 [club]8 4South

[spade]A K Q 10 8 7 6

[heart]A 10 3

[diamond]A

ub]A QSouth North<$>

2[club] 2[diamond]

2[spade] 4[spade]

6[spade] PassSouth’s 2 club opener is strong and North’s 2 diamond a weak or ‘waiting’ bid. When South bids 2 spades, North’s jump to 4 spades shows a weak hand (fast arrival — weak, slow arrival — strong) with no interest in slam. South, however, had other ideas.

West leads the king of diamonds which you win and on the first round of trumps West shows out — plan the play against good opponents.

Most players will now play ace-queen of clubs, planning to then draw trumps ending in dummy and discard the hearts on the good clubs.

With clubs 5-2, however, West can beat you by continuing clubs for partner to ruff — you can overruff, but one of your vital discards has gone.

So — Plan B! You do not cash the ace of clubs but at trick three play the queen, thwarting the ruff — you can now win any return, cash the ace and go about your business.

But I told you the defenders were good and West holds off taking his king!

Plan C! Lead a low heart towards the queen, hoping West has the king — but East wins the queen and returns a diamond.

Plan D! Win, draw trumps ending in dummy and lead a low heart to the ten, hoping East has the jack. Success! Aren’t you clever!