FRANK STEWART BRIDGE

SIMPLE SATURDAY

My “Simple Saturday” columns focus on improving basic technique and developing logical thinking.

A vital defensive skill is the ability to distinguish between “active” and “passive” defense. In some deals, the defenders must look for tricks in a hurry. In others, they can sit back and wait.

Against today’s two hearts, the defense starts with the A-K of spades and a spade ruff. What should East lead next?

East must realize that there is no rush to do anything dynamic. If West has the ace of clubs, he will always get it. If the defense has diamond tricks, they will get them. Declarer can’t avoid what losers he has.

Last Trump

East should go passive by leading his last trump. West wins and exits with a trump, and declarer must lead diamonds himself and lose two more tricks with proper defense.

If East led a club at Trick Four, and South won and led a trump, West would need to grab his ace and exit with a club or a trump, avoiding a possible end play.

Daily Question

You hold: ♠ Q J 3 ♥ K9 753 ♦ A 5 4 ♣ A 10. You open one heart, and your partner bids one spade. The opponents pass. What do you say?

Answer: A bid of 1NT would show minimum opening values and balanced pattern — a reasonable description. Better would be a raise to two spades. You would prefer fourcard support, but auctions are easier when a trump fit is set early. The only call to avoid is a rebid of two hearts; your opening bid promised a five-card suit. South dealer Neither side vulnerable