DAILY BRIDGE CLUB:

Cy the Cynic says that if you like to worry, you have more choices these days than ever before.

Today’s declarer didn’t worry quite enough at 3NT. When West led a spade, South was concerned about playing the jack from dummy: If East took the king, he might shift to clubs, and the defense might set up a few club tricks. So South took the ace of spades and went after the diamonds: He led low to his ace.

Alas, West discarded, and East had to get a diamond trick. When South conceded the fourth diamond later, East indeed shifted to a club: 10, queen. Another club forced out South’s ace, and he could take only eight tricks.

South was right to worry. After he (correctly) wins the first spade, he can lead a diamond and cover East’s seven with the eight.

If West could win, South wouldn’t mind; his club holding would be safe from attack. He would be sure of four diamonds, two hearts, a spade and a club, and would have time to set up a second spade for his ninth trick.

DAILY QUESTION: You hold: A J AK 4 3 6 54 2 J 5 2. Your partner opens one diamond. The next player bids one spade. What do you say?

ANSWER: A bid of two hearts would promise a five-card or longer suit. A bid of 3NT might come to grief when you could make four hearts. The best call is a negative double, conventionally showing length in hearts. Discuss the convention with your partner.