DAILY BRIDGE CLUB

Studies show that December is the most frequent month for conception. Since this is January, I suppose today’s West can be excused for not conceiving of the winning defense.

Against four hearts, West led the king of spades: deuce, three, four. He shifted to the ace and a low trump to stop ruffs in dummy, but South won, took the ace of diamonds, ruffed a diamond and led a club to his king. He drew trumps, ran the clubs to discard his last diamond, and lost a spade at the end. Making four.

West needed a better defensive concept. When East plays the three on the first spade, West knows it’s a singleton; with 9- 3, East would signal count by playing the nine. So at Trick Two, West should lead his singleton club.

South wins but must lead a trump eventually. Then West grabs his ace and leads the five of spades ( suit preference: a low spade asking East to return a club, the low- ranking side suit).

If East ruffs and duly leads a club, West ruffs for down one. DAILY QUESTION You hold: spade, your partner bids two clubs, you bid two diamonds and he raises to three diamonds. What do you say?

ANSWER: In “Standard” methods, partner shows about - card diamond support. If he has ! ! " # diamonds will be a decent spot. Bid three hearts. Partner will treat that bid as a probe for the best game, but your later bidding will clarify your intentions. West dealer N- S vulnerable