If you returned the Diamond Graphic K (as I did) you left declarer with little choice of plays. Needing to return to his hand, he ruffed a diamond as high as he could and noted that partner could not overruff. Then he led a spade to dummy and dropped the stiff K of trumps, making his game.

demirev__gu_sized.jpgDefending at the other table was the redoubtable Nik Demirev (pictured on the left with Jiang Gu, a partner in NABC’s but not in this event), who has a nice run of national and regional finishes since emigrating to the US in 2000. Nik looked more carefully and deeply into the position and returned a low diamond.

Our declarer, finding himself in hand, was able to take the losing trump finesse. Obviously I failed to match Nik’s defense. Should declarer be suspicious of this Greek gift?