BRIDGE

September 22

Declarer topped the jack of hearts with the king and played off three top clubs. When clubs proved 4-3, he could claim all thirteen tricks, N-S +720.

North had failed to realize that partner's leap to 3NT promised a very strong hand (19+ HCP), spade shortness and a solid club suit (at least six). North's prime values merited a slam try in spite of the club void. A raise to 4NT seems appropriate where South will swiftly advance to 6NT, a contract that is icy even if clubs break 5-2. South will simply drive out the ace of diamonds, when clubs do not behave, for twelve tricks.

South was, admittedly, a tad heavy for the jump to 3NT. If he opens with a demand twobid and rebids 2NT over partner's two spade response or even chooses a three club rebid, North will certainly drive to slam.

N-S, unexpectedly, received a reasonable matchpoint award for winning thirteen tricks. A substantial number of pairs failed to reach slam despite owning a combined 34 HCP. North declared the NT game quite a few times where East selected a diamond lead restricting him to twelve tricks.

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