rainbow@ihuxe.UUCP (Rob Buchner) (08/10/84)
S:K H:AKQT63 D:A5 C:J984 S:A854 H:7 D:K8742 C:QT5 W N E S 2S dbl P 2NT P 3NT Lead:QS You win the KS. Cash the AH. But west pitches a spade when you cash the KH. How do you continue(assume you are playing reasonable opponents)? *************************************************************************** The only thing you have going for you is the spade pitch indicating west does not want to part with a diamond or a club. The only way this makes sense is if west holds J fourth of diamonds and two clubs to an honor. If this is not the case, congradulate west on his/her foresight in pitching a spade which is a potential winner as opposed to a worthless minor suit card; ie a third club if holding one. So proceed to cash another heart. If west parts with another spade, the suit is no longer a threat and you have time to set up a couple of club tricks. If west parts with a diamond, set up your diamond tricks. If west parts with a club, play on clubs because east will win the second round and there will be no entry to the spades in the west hand.