DAILY BRIDGE CLUB

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

Good defenders set a “trick target.” When they see dummy and assess its strength, they decide how many tricks the defense can expect. At matchpoint duplicate, the goal may be to hold declarer to no overtricks. At IMPs or party bridge, the defenders must assume that the contract can be beaten.

Today’s West leads the jack of diamonds against four spades. Dummy’s queen wins a finesse, and declarer continues with a trump: four, jack, queen. How should West defend?

West knows the defense will get no diamond tricks ; East bid diamonds, hence South started with two at most. South is sure to have the ace of clubs on the bidding, and the defense will also get only two tricks in trumps.

West must realize that he has one chance for a fourth defensive trick: He takes the ace of hearts and leads a second heart. If East can’t ruff, there is always the next deal. DAILY QUESTION

You hold: one diamond, and your partner responds one spade. What do you say?

ANSWER: A bid of two hearts would be a “reverse” and would promise much!" would show a balanced, minimum opening bid and would not be misdescriptive, but your best call is a raise to two spades. It’s desirable to raise a major-suit response with good three-card support in an otherwise suitable hand. South dealer

N-S vulnerable