QUICK CROSSWORD

Philosopher Jeremy Bentham, upon his death in 1832, left instructions for his body to be preserved as an “auto- icon” ( self image) in my alma mater, University College, London. He is still there today. Bentham said, “Lawyers are the only persons in whom ignorance of the law is not punished.”

In bridge we have a law — the Law of Total Tricks — that is useful but sometimes misapplied. It was devised by a Frenchman, Jean- Rene Vernes. The main conclusion is that when either your side does not have the highcard values for game or the auction has become competitive, be willing to bid as high as your combined trump holding. With nine trumps, bid to ( at least) the three- level. The theory is that if you go down in your contract, the penalty will be smaller than what your opponents would have gained in their highest- scoring contract. ( Yes, take vulnerability and hand- type into account.)

How does that apply to this deal?

After South opens one heart, and North raises to two hearts, East should pass with such a flat, defensive hand. But when South passes, West should be happy to balance with a takeout double. His hand strength is known to be limited, because he did not double on round one.

Then North, knowing about a nine- card fit, should raise to three hearts. Similarly, East, knowing only of an eightcard spade fit at best, should pass. Note that both threelevel contracts ought to be one too high. South loses two spades, one heart and two clubs. East concedes one heart, three diamonds and one club. Copyright United Feature Syndicate ( Asia Features)