BRIDGE Previous puzzle

Rules of thumb

One good rule of thumb is to try not to hit it with a hammer. Another: When you’re a defender and declarer has a repeatable finesse, let his first try win.

At today’s 3NT, South won the first diamond with his ace and let the nine of spades ride. East took the jack and returned a diamond.

When South took his king, his situation looked desperate. If he led another spade, he would probably lose two more spades plus two diamonds. So South instead led the nine of hearts: seven, eight ... six! He led another heart — jack, queen — and wound up with nine tricks: four hearts, two diamonds and three clubs.

WEAK DEFENSE

East’s defense was weak. East has the spades under control, but he can see that declarer will meet with great success if he gets discouraged with the spades and shifts to hearts. So East should win the first spade with the king or ace and return a diamond.

South will surely win and lead a second spade to dummy’s ten. Then the defense will have five winners.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: ♠ 9 3 ♥ 9 4 ♦ A K 5 3 2 ♣ A K Q 5. Your partner opens one spade, you respond two diamonds, he rebids two spades and you try three clubs. Partner then bids three diamonds. What do you say?

ANSWER:

Your partner’s bidding is not too encouraging, but though slam may not be likely, it is possible. If he has a sound minimum such as A K 6 5 4, A 6 5, J 8 4, J 4, six diamonds will be a good contract. Cue-bid four clubs and see if partner shows any signs of life.

South dealer

N-S vulnerable