DAILY BRIDGE CLUB
My columns go in months in advance. As I write in April, the bridge world is in disarray. Clubs are closed, tournaments canceled. My prayer is that a measure of normalcy will have returned by the time you read this.
Meanwhile, players are competing online (at the free site Bridge Base Online) and reading a lot. For an entertaining read, try “Insights on Bridge,” a series by prolific author Mike Lawrence.
In today’s deal, Lawrence discusses South’s undisciplined save at four spades. His weak two-bid described his hand, more or less, and then North is captain.
Down two: East doubled four spades for down two: The defense got the major-suit aces, the top diamonds and a diamond ruff. Four hearts would’ve been down two.
“North didn’t ask South’s opinion about anything,” Lawrence notes. “This result is bad for a partnership.”
“Insights on Bridge” is highly recommended for down-to-earth advice. Baron Barclay has all books in print and instructional software. See baronbarclay.com.
Daily question
You hold: ♠ A5 ♥ J103 ♦ K42 ♣ 10 8 6 5 2. Your partner opens one spade, you respond 1NT, he bids two hearts and you return to two spades. Partner next bids three diamonds. What do you say?
Answer: Partner is trying for game. He has 5-4-3-1 or 5-4-4-0 pattern and wants you to judge whether you have useful cards. Since you have no “waste” in clubs opposite his shortness, don’t pass or sign off at three spades. Bid three hearts, four spades or four clubs.
South dealer
E-W vulnerable