I love sorting out card combinations, and to become proficient in declarer play, and in defence, getting to recognise them, or at least to think them through, is essential for success.

The hand in Figure 1 needed some tender and thoughtful handling, but in an eight-table event only one declarer got it right.

South opened 1NT (15-17 HCP) and North had an easy raise to 3NT – West led the four of hearts. Try it before you read on.

It is clear that if declarer can make at least four diamond tricks to go with three clubs and two hearts, the contract is safe.

Yet seven of the declarers went down on the hand – they all won the first heart and cashed the AK of diamonds – when East showed out on the second round the contract was now doomed.

Of course, the whole hand rests on the diamond suit, so the correct play deserves some time and thought.

It is tempting to bang down the AK of diamonds hoping to drop the Queen but it is anti-percentage as the only time this play works better is if one hand has the doubleton diamond with the Queen.

There are, however, the following combinations once both opponents follow to the first round (see Figure 2).

In both of these the correct play now is a low diamond towards the Jack, which is what declarer at the eighth table did.

In the first layout, when East shows out, declarer’s Jack loses to the Queen, but declarer now had a finessing position with the K9 over the 108.

And in the second layout East is stumped and whether he plays the Queen or plays low declarer is guaranteed four diamond tricks – contract made!

See the full hand in Figure 3.

Very, very well played!

• It is with great sadness that we just learnt about the passing of Lane Martin, a long time member of the Bridge Club. She was a popular member at the club, who always enjoyed a good laugh and loved bridge, and was on the winning team in the Junior Teams about ten years ago.

Due to illness she has not played at the club for some time, and our thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time.

• David Ezekiel can be reached on davidezekiel999@gmail.com

BRIDGE CLUB RESULTS

Friday, July 18

1 Peter Donnellan/Judith Bussell

2 Betsy Baillie/Aida Bostelmann

3 Jane Smith Sancia Garrison

Monday, July 21

1 William Pollett/Linda Pollett

2 Martha Ferguson/Judy King

3 Margaret Way/Gill Butterfield

Tuesday, July 22

1 Julia Tadman/Joshimar Hussey

2 Sally Irvine/Sandra Ogden

Wednesday, July 23

1 Gertrude Barker/Jane Smith

2 Martha Ferguson/Judy King

3 Sheena Rayner/Molly Taussig

Thursday, July 24

1 William Pollett/Linda Pollett

2 Tim Mardon/Delton Outerbridge

3 Judith Bussell/Stephanie Kyme