Bridge Answer 5

Bridge Problem 5: Answer

 

Answer: The only way to beat the hand is to rise with the A and shift to the Q. Declarer needs two entries to dummy -- after the heart A is unblocked. By returning the Q at the second trick, dummies entries are attacked early and declarer cannot establish the heart suit and cannot come to more than eight tricks: three spades, a heart, two diamonds, and two clubs.

If East ducks the opening lead or wins and returns any card other than the Q, declarer will cash the ace of hearts, go to a high spade, and play hearts, setting up the suit. Declarer can't be kept from taking eleven tricks.