DAILY BRIDGE CLUB

Today’s deal from the ACBL Summer Championships (reported by Barry Rigal) wins the Horselaugh Award for the 10-day event. In the Grand National Teams, David Berkowitz was South. When East opened a weak two hearts, Berkowitz was reluctant to overcall two spades on a ratty suit, but his hand begged for action, hence his double.

Berkowitz landed at four spades anyway, and the expert West led the queen (!) of hearts. His idea was to make it hard for declarer to place the cards. When the queen won, West next led the five.

If East had played the king, Berkowitz would have placed East with the A-K, so West with the ace of spades. South would have led a trump to dummy’s king, losing two trump tricks.

Unfortunately, the opening lead had fooled East. On the second heart, he followed with the ten, placing West with the jack. Berkowitz took his jack and worked out what West had been up to: He led a trump ... and played low from dummy.

Making five! Berkowitz’s team won the event. DAILY QUESTION

You hold:

spade, and your partner bids two hearts. What do you say?

ANSWER: You had a mandatory opening bid, with three defensive tricks, but your position now is uncomfortable. Partner’s response is unlimited, so you must act. To rebid two spades on a flimsy suit is unappealing. Bid 2NT. If partner continues with three clubs, you will bid three hearts to show a tolerance for that suit.

East dealer

Both sides vulnerable

Opening lead — Choose it