22-12-2025

Its Christmaaaaaaaas.

As it’s Christmas I looked for a board with a festive theme. Hand 20 seemed to fit the bill.

N has a lovely hand and is looking at the three kings. The hand is greatly enhanced by the two aces shining like the proverbial star.

West probably passes and N now has to decide how to open with this festive hand. 2NT gets the point count over but the spade suit will now probably be lost.

1S could be passed out but looks the best option. East now probably jumps to a level in hearts (at our table it was a 3H bid)

S passes with that pile of tat and then tries to hide surprise when N bids 4D. 

This is passed to South who should realise that if diamonds can make 10 tricks then so can spades and so 4S seems the best for S to do.

The spotlight now falls on East who has to lead. A number of players defending diamonds or spades at some level tried cashing the A of hearts.

Was that correct. Leading Aces without the King is a risky thing to do. There is no reason to think that partner has the King.

In fact the bidding suggests it is most likely to be with North. W passed initially (less than 12 points) S couldn’t bid over 3H (not many points)

and N bid 4D on their own (suggesting lots of points). That analysis is correct and the A of hearts lead means that N finds their K is a winner.

Left to their own devices N should lose 2 spades and when West gets in they should lead a heart through N,s K allowing E to win two heart tricks holding declarer to 9 tricks.

The lead of the A of hearts, however gives N an early Christmas present in the form of their tenth trick as the K of hearts makes.

Merry Christmas.

Tip of the week

Be wary of leading unsupported Aces against suit contracts.

The analysis is my own opinion and you may well disagree. Always make sure you know your own system before you play.

Mark Rixon