Defeating an ice-cold contract. 
Bridge Column for July 19, 2002, Harvey Bernstein
East-West vulnerable.  South deals.
                              North
                              S: 6 3                
                              H: A J 8 5 2   
                              D: J 2         
                              C: A K 9 8 
            West                             East
            S: 8 5 2                         S: A 10 9 7   
            H: Q 10                          H: 9 7 4      
            D: A 10 9 8 7 6                  D: 5                 
            C: 7 5                           C: Q 10 6 4 2    
                              South                         
                              S: K Q J 4 
                              H: K 6 3      
                              D: K Q 4 3   
                              C: J 3      
          The Bidding:  
                  South    West    North    East                  
                   1NT     Pass     2D      Pass
                   2H      Pass     4H      Pass
                   Pass    Pass
     This hand was reported by Brian Senior of Nottingham,
England in the current edition of the International Bridge Press
Association Bulletin.
     At first glance it would appear that there should be ten or
eleven tricks available (depending on the defense) at either
three no trump or four hearts.  The problem is that the declarer
does not have the same vantage point as the reader of this
column.
     West led the seven of clubs.  Declarer won in dummy and
played a heart to the king.  On this trick, West smoothly
followed with the queen of hearts!
     This brilliant falsecard threw declarer completely off
track.  Convinced that trumps were breaking 1-4, declarer decided
to attempt to trump two clubs in hand.  The opening lead
suggested that West would be short in clubs, increasing the
likelihood that this line would work.  
     Declarer led the jack of clubs.  West played the five,
confirming the club position.  This trick was won in the dummy
and the eight of clubs was led, covered by East, trumped low by
declarer, and over trumped by West!
     A stunned declarer watched as West played the ace of
diamonds and another diamond which East trumped.  The ace of
spades became the setting trick.
     You should notice that West's falsecard cost nothing at all. 
Had he played the ten, declarer would likely play a second heart
toward the dummy, catching the queen and solving any problem he
might have had.  You are allowed to follow suit with any card
that you hold.  The card you play will often help your partner
define your holding and find the right defense.  It may also help
or hinder declarer, depending on the situation.  Try to play the
card that gives you the best chance for success on the hand being
played at the moment.
_______________________________________________________
Bernstein is a free-lance writer in Solon.