Listen to them to assist you

Xenophon, a Greek historian who died circa 354 B.C., said, “If you consider what are called the virtues in mankind, you will find their growth is assisted by education and cultivation.”

Bridge skill is assisted by education, and you will cultivate good results if you let your opponents’ bids and plays assist your actions.

This deal is a good example. How did South play in five clubs after West had led a spade? Also, what about three no-trump by North after a low-diamond lead?

If you have not done so already, discuss this bidding situation with your partner. What should South do after East overcalls one no-trump with two spades, showing spades and either minor?

The most popular convention is Lebensohl. In the standard style, South’s three-heart response is natural and forcing. (With a weaker hand, responder bids two no-trump, which usually means that he has insufficient strength to force to game. Opener must rebid three clubs, then responder describes his hand.)

Three no-trump would have been similar to five clubs, assuming East tried a sneak attack by leading the diamond five. North would have cashed the heart ace and heart king, hoping to drop the doubleton queen, but would then have had to gather five club tricks.

Normally with nine cards missing only the queen, the odds slightly favor playing for the drop. But not when East is known to have a two-suiter. Now the odds strongly favor a finesse. In five clubs or three no-trump, declarer should cash the club king, then play a club to the jack.