Martin Jones of the Great Britain Junior team demonstrated a way to take advantage of the blocked diamond suit on this deal from his country's round 14 battle with Norway.

Dealer East. Game All ª Q 7 © K 7 4 3 ¨ 10 9 § A J 6 4 ª 10 4 2 ª 9 8 6 3 © A 9 6 © J 8 2 ¨ 8 7 6 5 2 ¨ K Q J § 9 5 § Q 10 8 ª A K J 5 © Q 10 5 ¨ A 4 3 § K 7 2 West North East South Kristoffersen Bakhsi Charlsen Jones Pass 1NT Pass 2§ Pass 2ª Pass 3NT All Pass

He received the lead of the ¨8. He ducked the king of diamonds but accurately went up with the ace when East continued with the queen, leaving the suit blocked.

He played the queen of hearts from his hand and West took the ace and played third diamond, but the defence was helpless. Jones won the spade switch and took the club finesse. Even though it lost he was now safe for nine tricks. If West had ducked the queen of hearts without a flicker declarer would have had a decision to make, but he might well have been influenced by the lack of an opening bid from East.