Bridge Defining an expert

There are many ways to define a bridge expert. If in a jocular mood, you might say he’s someone from out of town. Cy the Cynic would say he’s a player who can explain why he lost. I’d say an expert is someone who can produce a winning play without knowing precisely why.

In a team match, both Wests led the queen of diamonds against four spades. One South took the ace and let the nine of trumps ride. East took the queen and led his singleton club. He won the next trump, underled in diamonds to West’s ten and got a club ruff. Down one.

OTHER TABLE

At the other table, an expert sitting South let West win the first trick. South won the next diamond, lost a trump finesse, won East’s club return and lost a trump to the ace. When East then led a diamond, South ruffed, drew the missing trump and claimed his game.

When South ducked the first diamond, he may not have foreseen what might occur if he won. His play was simply instinctive — and correct. That’s what made him an expert.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: ♠ K 10 6 3 ♥ A K ♦ 8 7 2 ♣ K Q 10 4. Dealer, at your right, opens one heart. You double, the next player raises to two hearts and your partner bids two spades. The opening bidder passes. What do you say?

ANSWER:

Don’t punish your partner for competing. He may have stuck out his neck to stop the opponents from buying the contract cheaply. He may have only six points or only four spades or both. Pass and hope he takes eight tricks.

North dealer

N-S vulnerable