Sherlock Holmes would often dazzle his sidekick, Dr. Watson, with his deductions and observations about the people around them. Watson would express his admiration and wonder before Holmes patiently explained the reasoning that led him to those conclusions. It would all seem so simple to Watson, after the explanation, that Watson wondered why he hadn’t reached those same conclusions himself. A bridge expert is a mini-version of Sherlock Holmes. You may think that he has done something quite brilliant, but the expert doesn’t consider it to be brilliant at all. His play is simply the result of logical thought.
Today’s deal sees North-South being pushed to the five level to buy the contract. Good decision by South, as four spades by East was unbeatable with best play by declarer. What would you lead from the West hand? Most would lead a low spade, partner’s suit. You would no longer be able to defeat the contract. A club lead would be the winner, but why should you find that lead? An expert West would lead the king of spades! He could then retain the lead and judge what to do next. Finding the club shift would be trivial and five hearts would be defeated. Was that a brilliant lead? Not really. There was no suit West wanted led by partner after winning a spade lead. Leading the king of spades could not hurt and might help.
Published – March 13, 2025 09:02 am IST
