FRANK STEWART BRIDGE

NABC IN ATLANTA

The American Contract Bridge League’s Summer Championships, usually the largest of its three annual “Nationals,” begins this Thursday in Atlanta. Major titles will be at stake, including the prestigious Spingold Teams, but there will be events for players at all levels, including beginners. (For information, see acbl.org.)

Among the activities will be a lecture series for novices and intermediates. I’ll be there on July 29 to speak. Come by and say hello. Logical

My lectures focus on logical thinking. In today’s deal, South plays at 3NT. West leads the deuce of clubs, and South takes the ace. He leads a heart to dummy’s king and a heart to his jack and takes the ace. When West discards a spade, how should South handle the diamonds?

West had four clubs (from his opening lead) and two hearts. If West had held five spades, his opening lead would have been a spade, so South can place West with at least three diamonds. South should cash the ace, planning to let the jack ride next. Daily Question

You hold: A 10 8 Q 10 9 3 6 K J 9 7 4.

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ The dealer, at your left, opens one diamond, and two passes follow. What do you say?

Answer: If the opening bid had been at your right, you might not have acted. But because the opponents have stopped low, your partner is marked with some values. Don’t sell out cheaply when you may have a makable partscore or game. Double. “Balancing” actions may be weaker than usual, and your partner should be aware of that.