DAILY BRIDGE CLUB
Cy the Cynic had a doctor’s appointment. He showed up late for his penny game, grumbling about doctors who mangle their appointment schedule.
“Doctors have emergencies,” I observed.
“People who test my patience need to understand that it’s one exam I don’t plan to pass,” Cy growled.
Cy needs patience as declarer. At today’s 3NT, he took the king of spades and passed the ten of hearts, losing to West’s queen. Cy won the spade return and next let the jack of diamonds ride, but when East took the queen, Cy won only eight tricks.
Discards: After Cy wins the second spade, he can cash his hearts, then exit with a spade to let West take his tricks. East would probably pitch two diamonds and then three clubs. Cy would discard clubs from dummy and his hand.
When at Trick 10 West led a club to the king and ace, Cy would have a reliable count: East, who held only four major-suit cards, was more likely to have diamond length. So Cy would play him for the queen — and make 3NT.
Daily question
You hold: ♠ K73 ♥ 10984 ♦ A96 ♣ 7 6 4. Your partner opens one diamond, and the next player overcalls one spade. You make a negative double, and your partner then bids two hearts. The opponents pass. What do you say?
Answer: Your double promised length in hearts but the wrong type of hand to bid two hearts. Partner’s second bid is not a “reverse.” He is just “raising” the suit that your double suggested. Pass. You have no extra strength.
South dealer
N-S vulnerable