DAILY BRIDGE CLUB

This week’s deals have involved waiting to draw trumps. Players tend to rush to draw them, but there are good reasons to delay.

To test yourself, cover the EastWest cards. West leads the jack of hearts against four spades. After you ruff the second heart, how do you play?

Say you draw trumps. If the missing trumps break 3-2, you will be safe. But some of the time, they will break 4-1, and you will have only one trump left. If you lose to the ace of clubs next, West will force out your last trump and win the last two tricks with the ace of diamonds and a heart.

Ace of clubs: At Trick Three, lead the jack of diamonds. If it wins, draw trumps, give up a club and claim 10 tricks.

Even if West grabs the first diamond and leads a third heart, you can succeed. Ruff and lead the ten of clubs. If it wins, draw trumps; you have six trumps, three diamonds and a club. If West takes the ace of clubs and leads another heart, ruff in dummy, preserving the trumps in your hand to draw trumps.

Daily question

You hold: ♠ 7643 ♥ J10983

♦ A4 ♣ A 4. Your partner opens one diamond, you respond one heart and he bids two clubs. What do you say?

Answer: This situation is awkward. Your hand isn’t strong enough for a constructive second bid of 2NT, and a rebid of two hearts would suggest a six-card suit or a strong fivecarder. Bid two diamonds. Partner should have at least five diamonds. He will have another chance to bid, and a 5-2 fit will be playable if he passes.