QUICK CROSSWORD

Twain said, “Grief can take care of itself, but to get the full value of a joy, you must have somebody to divide it with.”

At the bridge table, if partner makes a mistake, you get the grief too. If you play brilliantly, partner shares your joy. Today, though, we are going to look at a bidding situation in which you can tell partner whether you have an average or good hand.

Look at North’s cards. You open one club — or would you have upgraded to two no- trump? Partner responds one spade, you rebid two no- trump, and he continues with three spades. What would you do now?

Let's start with the first question. Yes, I would have opened two notrump. Four aces are great, and there are three good spot- cards. But it is close because of the 4- 3- 33 shape.

Given that you opened one club, your hand is super. Partner has shown six spades and slam thoughts. With five spades, he would have rebid three of a minor. With only game interest, he would have jumped to four spades.

Now, therefore, you should show enthusiasm. Jump to four no- trump or six spades. ( If you have a hand unsuitable for slam, you should raise three spades to four.)

Against six spades, West would probably lead a heart. Normally he would pick the nine, top of nothing, but against a slam, there is a strong case for the three. Still, declarer will likely win with dummy's ace, draw trumps and take a ruffing heart finesse ( leading the queen from the board) to guarantee 12 tricks: seven spades, two hearts, one diamond and two clubs. Copyright United Feature Syndicate

( Asia Features)