DAILY BRIDGE CLUB

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

Setting up a long suit is an elementary skill. To establish and cash long cards, you need adequate entries. Against today’s four hearts, West takes two spades and leads the jack of clubs. How do you play?

If clubs break 3- 3, you have 10 tricks; if 4- 2, you may need a trick with dummy’s fifth diamond. Diamonds are likely to break 4- 2, so you need three dummy entries: two to ruff diamonds, one to get back for the good diamond.

Win the first club in your hand, saving the ace as an entry, and play a low diamond from both hands. The ace is an entry; you mustn’t spend it before you ruff any diamonds. If West wins and leads another club, win in your hand, take the ace of diamonds and ruff a diamond.

When West discards, cash the A- K of trumps and ruff a diamond. You can draw the last trump and go to the ace of clubs to pitch your last club on the good diamond. DAILY QUESTION You hold: partner opens one spade, you respond two diamonds and he bids two hearts. What do you say?

ANSWER: Don’t bid 3NT. The club stopper may be dislodged quickly at notrump, and a better contract — even a slam — may be available. Bid three clubs. If partner bids three spades next, he will show a good hand with six spades and four ! " # $ % % be a fine contract. South dealer Both sides vulnerable