DAILY BRIDGE CLUB

Today’s deal from a pairs event at the Fall NABC appeared in the tournament’s excellent Daily Bulletin.

West doubled South’s one spade; he could convert a club response by East to diamonds, not promising extra strength since East- West were using “equal level conversion.” Against four spades, West led his singleton club: four, queen, king.

If South next led the ace and a low trump, West would win, and East could discard the jack of hearts to show possession of the ten. West could underlead in hearts and get a club ruff to hold South to 10 tricks.

South could always make five, it was noted, with a “scissors coup.” After winning the first trick, he could take dummy’s A- K of diamonds and lead a third diamond, pitching his heart loser to eliminate East’s entry.

The deal was instructive; the analysis wasn’t quite perfect. East could foil South’s plan by ruffing the third diamond. South must take the ace of trumps at Trick Two, then play three rounds of diamonds. DAILY QUESTION You hold: your partner responds one spade and the next player bids two clubs. What do you say?

ANSWER: A bidding convention might help: A “support double,” by agreement, would show three- card spade support. A raise to two spades would show four- card support. Support doubles have drawbacks. Lacking such a gadget, bid two spades. You need to show your support for partner’s suit now. South dealer Both sides vulnerable