FRANK STEWART BRIDGE

As the game at the Mad Hatter’s continued, the Queen of Hearts’ bluster kept the players on edge.

“My cousin hates the thought of being captured,” the Queen of Diamonds told Alice. “She can’t see that it can be better to lose a trick than to win one.”

“Of course, your majesty,” Alice said politely. “Deal and I’ll show you,” said the Queen. After Alice dealt and opened one heart, the Hatter, South, roared into six clubs. Alice was sure the Hatter had at most one heart, so she led the queen as the best chance for that card to win a trick. The Hatter ruffed nervously.

“Off with his head!” bellowed the Queen of Hearts. Best Chance The Hatter drew trumps, saving all of dummy’s spades, and correctly led the ace and a low spade. To start the diamonds instead was not safe. Alice was helpless to defeat the slam. “Next time you’ll listen to me,” the Queen of Diamonds told Alice gently. “Only the lead of the queen of diamonds beats six clubs.”

And so it was. Daily Question

You hold: K84 AKQ 85 Q 4 7 5 2. The dealer, at your left, opens one club. Your partner doubles, and the next player raises to two clubs. What do you say?

Answer: You appear to be playing with a 50-point deck. Either your partner or one or both opponents has stretched to act, but you must bid your own hand. Cue-bid three clubs to show great strength. If partner next bids three diamonds or three spades, you will bid four hearts.