BRIDGE

THE LONGEST DAY

On June 21 at the Birmingham, Ala., Duplicate Bridge Club, I participated in “The Longest Day,” an annual nationwide event to benefit Alzheimer’s research. Despite the excellent play of my partner, Dianne Wammack, we were edged out for first place. I am convinced that the standard of play among all players is in decline. When Wammack and I were West and East in today’s deal, she led a heart against 3NT. Declarer took dummy’s queen, forced out the ace of clubs and won a diamond shift. At that point, South can cash a second high diamond, come to the king of hearts and take the ace of diamonds. When West’s jack falls, declarer has four diamonds and 12 tricks in all.

NO JUSTICE

Instead, declarer ran the clubs, pitching two spades and a diamond. In the end, he won a spade finesse for 12 tricks. Had justice been served, West would have held the king of spades. I found it discouraging that only one pair got to 6NT — a fine contract — and that the only declarer at slam went down!

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: ♠ J82 ♥ AQ7 ♦ K Q

♣ Q J 8 7 2. Your partner opens one diamond, you respond two clubs and he rebids two diamonds. What do you say?

ANSWER: A notrump hog would blast into 3NT and would probably survive; partner rates to have a spade honor. Still, he could hold a hand such as 3, K 6 5, A J 10 7 6 5 2, K 4, and 3NT would be an exceedingly silly contract. Bid two hearts, a forcing bid in a new suit. Let your partner continue to describe his hand. West dealer E-W vulnerable