FRANK STEWART BRIDGE

FLASHES OF BRILLIANCE

“I know how many divorce lawyers it takes to change a light bulb,” Cy the Cynic told me. “One to argue for the rights of the old bulb, one for the new bulb and one for the socket. But how many light bulbs does it take to change my partners?”

Cy says his partners never have flashes of insight as declarer. Cy was today’s North, and at four hearts, his partner ruffed the second club, drew trumps and led the queen of diamonds, on which West signaled count with his deuce.

Finesse

East took his ace and led the ace of clubs. Declarer ruffed, led a diamond to dummy’s king and returned a spade, finessing with his queen. West won, and East also got a spade. Down one. “My partners don’t have a clue,” Cy growled.

South should wonder why East let him reach dummy to finesse in spades. East could have held up his ace of diamonds. Since East is willing for declarer to finesse in spades, he should not: He leads the ace and a low spade. When West’s king falls,the contract is home.

Daily Question

You hold: ♠ 10 8 5 ♥ 10 3 ♦ A 10 8 4 ♣

A 9 8 3. Your partner opens one heart, you respond 1NT, he bids two spades and you try 2NT. Partner then rebids three hearts. What do you say?

Answer: Your partner’s two spades was a “reverse” that promised extra strength (since it might have landed you at a three-level contract). His three hearts suggest six hearts and four spades. Raise to four hearts. Your aces will be just what your partner wants to see.

South dealer

N-S vulnerable