QUICK CROSSWORD

of us who are pre- Generation X remember Lyndon Johnson’s election slogan: Let’s go all the way with LBJ.

Yesterday, I recommended that if you are raising partner’s suit as a sacrifice, go all the way immediately. When you are having a constructive auction, there is another time you can go all the way — as highlighted by this deal. Before we get to the bidding, though, how should South plan to play the spade suit for no losers?

North’s two no- trump in principle showed a balanced hand with 18 or 19 points. Then, when South rebid three hearts, North’s next call was partnership agreement: Should he bid three spades or four spades? Since North- South were in a game- force, I like to apply the principle of fast arrival. The quicker you bid game, the less impressive your hand. Here, therefore, North continued with three spades. ( Some prefer the jump to stress strong trumps.) Then South leapt into ( Roman Key Card) Blackwood. On the next round, South’s five notrump confirmed that all of the aces ( key cards) were held and announced interest in a grand slam. North, with four kings, had to have what partner wanted. He went all the way, bidding seven spades ( and would have chosen seven no- trump in a pairs event).

In spades, South should start with the ace, planning on continuing with low to the king, picking up the suit if it is 3- 2 or West has a singleton honor. However, if East drops the 10 or jack and would never do that from J- 10- x, declarer should play low to the eight on the second round. Copyright United Feature Syndicate

( Asia Features)