BRIDGE AND CHESS

Lenin said, “One fool can ask more questions in a minute than 12 wise men can answer in an hour.”

A couple of days ago, we learned that after an opening bid, a takeout double and a pass, if fourth hand cue-bids the opener’s suit, it shows 12 points or more.

But is that the only bid the advancer can make when this strong?

Of course not! Look at the South hand. What should he bid after one club - double - pass around to him?

With a balanced hand, a good holding in the opener’s suit (remember, partner is short in that suit) and no length in a major suit, the advancer may bid in no-trump. One no-trump shows 6-9 points, two no-trump 10-12 and three no-trump a surprising 13-15. Here, South should leap to three no-trump.

After this is passed out and West has led the club jack, how should South proceed?

If South has a four-card major, he might well start with a cue-bid, planning to fall back on three no-trump if a 4-4 fit in that suit does not exist.

Declarer starts with eight top tricks: four hearts, one diamond and three clubs. Two more winners can be established in spades. South should take the first trick and play a spade.

West does best to capture that trick and shift to the diamond king, but declarer can win and persevere in spades. The defenders cannot take more than two spades and two diamonds.

When in no-trump, immediately play on the suit where you wish to establish winners.