An Unusual Suit Combination
By Mike Lawrence

There are many situations where the correct play goes against the grain. This hand includes such a situation. My experience suggests it would be mishandled by a huge majority of players.

South was playing 15-17 notrumps so had to start with one club and then rebid two no trump. North scratched up a marginal but correct raise to game.

West's heart lead did not put declarer in any danger. Declarer had considerable time to establish either clubs or spades to get nine tricks.

He chose to work on spades because they were stronger than the clubs. South, therefore, won the heart lead and played ace and another spade. West played low and declarer played the jack losing to the queen. The heart return was won in dummy and another spade played in hopes they were3-3.

They weren't, and declarer ended up with only seven tricks. Declarer was happy to see clubs were 4-2 meaning he couldn't set them up either but his comfort was misjudged. He should have made his contract.

Do you see how?