FRANK STEWART BRIDGE

TRIALS AND ERRORS

“Your honor,” the district attorney announced, “we will prove that South committed a felony in that he went down at a cold game.” “Proceed,” the judge instructed, and the court kibitzed the evidence.

“East had opened one heart,” the DA stated, “so West led the nine of hearts against South’s 3NT. East covered dummy’s jack with the queen. Declarer took the ace and started the diamonds, but West grabbed the first diamond with the king to lead his last heart. East won and led a third heart, and when South led a second diamond, East took his ace and cashed two hearts for down one.”

Second Heart

“Declarer easily makes 3NT if he ducks the first heart,” the DA went on. “When he wins the second heart, the defenders’ communication is broken. We ask for a conviction.”

“South is guilty,” the judge ruled. “But arrest East also. He always beats 3NT by playing low on the first heart. Then, when West wins the first diamond, he can lead his remaining heart, defeating the contract.”

Daily Question You hold:

10 7 3 K Q 7 5 4 A 7 K J 7.

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ The dealer, at your right, opens one club. You overcall one heart, the next player passes and your partner bids one spade. The opening bidder passes. What do you say?

Answer: Partnership agreement is a factor. Some pairs treat a new-suit “advance” after an overcall as forcing. Others treat it as not forcing and not especially encouraging. In either style, I would be willing to raise to two spades.

East dealer

Both sides vulnerable