Some advertisements make interesting claims. For example, have you seen the one for a golf range-finder that promises you will play better if you use it? Why will knowing the exact distance to the pin improve your swing? Yes, it is nice to feel confident that you are using the right club, but you must still execute the shot correctly.

At the bridge table, you can count winners and losers, but you must still execute the trick sequence correctly.

In today's deal, how should South try to make six hearts after West leads the club queen?

North responded with a game-invitational limit raise. South bid what he hoped he could make.

Declarer has a spade loser and an uncertain trump suit. Obviously, after winning trick one with his club ace, the honor from the shorter side first, South should cash his heart ace to find out that situation. If the king drops, everything is easy-peasy. If an opponent discards, the contract is hopeless. Here, though, both opponents follow, but the king does not put in an appearance. How can declarer avoid losing a spade trick as well?

There is only one chance -- the defender with the heart king is short in spades. South should cash his two top diamonds, cash his spade ace, lead to dummy's spade king, take the club king, and ruff the third club. With the partial elimination complete, declarer leads a trump. Here, West must return a minor-suit card. Declarer ruffs on the board and sluffs his remaining spade.

If you are good, you will get lucky -- in bridge and golf.

** ** **

COPYRIGHT: 2013, UNITED FEATURE SYNDICATE
DISTRIBUTED BY UNIVERSAL UCLICK FOR UFS