Bridge Problem: Persistence Pays

If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again. I am sure we were all told this many times when we were young, but the concept can also apply to declarer play. On this month’s deal from a Funbridge IMP game, declarer needs to discard a loser on one of dummy’s winners. The problem is that one of the defenders ruffs dummy’s winners. It is perhaps surprising how often you can find that there is second string to your bow as long as you never give up. Persistence is the key: 

Both Vul. Dealer North. IMPs.

Opening Lead: 10♠. 

Despite East’s takeout double, suggesting majors, it is hard to see how this South hand will be of much use unless hearts are trumps. Once partner shows a better than minimum opening bid by jumping at his second turn, you take the bull by the horns and jump to game in your long suit.