Bridge Simple Saturday

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

As a defender, count your tricks. It takes four to beat a major-suit game, but in the heat of battle, defenders may lose sight of the target.

Today’s West had no attractive opening lead against four spades. To his credit, he found a diamond — the winning lead — but when East took the ace, he returned partner’s lead. West took the king of diamonds but was stuck. He shifted to a club, and South won, drew trumps and took three more clubs to pitch a heart. Making four.

CLUB HONORS

West’s good lead went for nothing because East didn’t count tricks. East knows his side will get no clubs — if West has club honors, declarer can finesse successfully — and if West has a trump trick, he will always get it.

Since the defense will need at least one heart trick, East must shift to a heart at Trick Two. West will take the A-Q and cash his king of diamonds for down one.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: ♠ Q 10 6 ♥ J 8 6 2 ♦ 8 5 ♣ A Q 10 4. Your partner opens one diamond, you respond one heart, he bids one spade and you try 1NT. Partner then bids two hearts. What do you say?

ANSWER:

Your 1NT showed six to 10 points. Your partner would not have suggested a higher-level contract, especially at hearts on a possible 4-3 trump fit, unless he had substantially more than minimum values. Jump to 3NT. Partner should hold a hand such as A K 9 5, K Q 5, A 10 9 6 4, 3. South dealer

N-S vulnerable