Getting something from nothing

Claude Bernard, a 19th-century French physiologist, said, "A fact in itself is nothing. It is valuable only for the idea attached to it, or for the proof that it furnishes."

At the bridge table, a fact in itself is always something, but it will prove valuable only if it helps a player to find the right bid or play. In today's deal, East has a chance to get something from what originally looks like nothing with a timely assist from West. What happens after West leads the diamond jack against three spades? The best North-South result would come from two diamonds doubled, which would go down two - but that is very hard to attain. Even if South passes over two diamonds, and North makes a balancing takeout double, it would be tough - but not impossible - for South to pass.

Against three spades, East wins with his diamond king and cashes the diamond ace to see West discard. Then East leads the diamond four as a suit-preference signal for clubs. West, being observant and well-trained, ruffs and returns the club nine, his highest card in the suit denying an honor there. What does East do after winning that trick with his club ace?

By checking the high-card points, East should realize that South has the heart ace. As this means that the defenders have taken all possible side-suit tricks, it is time to chase a second trump winner.

East should lead another diamond and hope that West can and does ruff with the spade queen. When dummy overruffs, a trump trick has been promoted for East.