DAILY BRIDGE CLUB
Cy the Cynic defines “negligent” as when a women absentmindedly answers the doorbell in her nightgown. I could also apply the term to Cy’s play at today’s 3NT.
West led a heart, and when dummy’s jack won, Cy thought his contract was a snap. He took the three top clubs, but West discarded a diamond. Cy had only eight tricks, so he had to concede a club to East, setting up dummy’s fifth club. West threw another diamond.
East then led the jack of spades. Cy’s queen covered, but West won and returned a spade to the king. A third spade went through Cy’s 9- 6 to West’s 10- 7, giving the defense five tricks.
North gave Cy a dressing gown — rather, a dressing down — and with reason. Cy neglected an avoidance play. He is safe unless East gets in for a spade shift. If West leads a spade, the defense can never take four fast spades.
At Trick Two, Cy must lead a club to his eight. West wins, but when clubs break 4- 2, Cy has nine winners and at most four losers. DAILY QUESTION You hold: sides vulnerable. The dealer, at your right, opens three hearts. You double, and your partner responds three spades. The opponents pass. What do you say?
ANSWER: To raise to game is tempting, but your double promised about as much strength as you hold and suggested good support for the other major suit. If your partner aspired to game, he could have bid it himself. Pass. After your opponent’s preempt, bad breaks are likely. South dealer N- S vulnerable