FROM THE SOCIAL SIDE OF BRIDGE

With nine points and three spades, West should have raised to two spades. Yes, partner was a passed hand, so game was impossible, and West's hand was as flat as a pancake, but he ought to have made life harder for North.

To bid two spades on the next round gave his opponents a fielder's choice because North had been able to describe his hand.

Finally, South should have passed out two spades because he also had a pancake. True, that contract can be made, but three diamonds had no chance. South lost two spades, two diamonds and two clubs to go down two -- luckily, but understandably, not doubled by West.

Bid your hand immediately and be cautious with 4- 33- 3 distribution when not in no- trump