DAILY BRIDGE CLUB

My daughter was among the kids born in the year 2000, which means she — and they — will never have much trouble remembering how old they are.

Counting at bridge is easy in principle; anyone can count to 13. But players neglect to do it because of laziness or lack of focus. In today’s deal, West led his singleton jack of diamonds against four hearts, and East took the ace and returned a diamond. West ruffed South’s king and cashed the ace of spades.

Dummy’s king won the next spade — East followed with the ten and deuce — and declarer drew trumps and next led the queen of clubs. West’s king covered, but East’s 10- 9- 6 was worth the setting trick.

South makes his game if he takes a moment to count. West had four trumps and one diamond and almost surely started with seven spades. Since West had 13 cards, he had only one club.

South’s only chance is to start the clubs by leading low from his hand, hoping West has the singleton king. South’s luck is good. DAILY QUESTION You hold: Both sides vulnerable. You deal and open three diamonds. The next player bids three hearts, your partner doubles and the player at your right passes. What do you say?

ANSWER: Assuming your partner knows what he’s doing, Christmastime is here. Partner says he can beat three hearts, and you have an ace you might not have held. You may even get a spade ruff. Pass and prepare to collect your penalty. South dealer Neither side vulnerable