Stepping Stone Squeeze

When declarer has all the tricks but one, but is unable to take them due to a blocked entry position, he may be able to squeeze the exits from a defender and then use him as an entry to the blocked trick.  Playing in NT South has 3 of the last 4 tricks (2 spades and a club):

                    A5

                    2

                    6

                    --

Q6                       

--                                 (immaterial)

A5                             

--                               

                    K

                    6

                    K

                    6

South leads the good club and discards the 2 from dummy.  West is squeezed.  If he discards a spade South can overtake the King.  So he discards the 5.  South now cashes the King and exits a diamond using West as a Stepping Stone to the Ace.

Compiled by Lorne Russell 2005