DAILY BRIDGE CLUB
When today’s South opened one heart, North’s 2NT response was a conventional forcing raise. South’s three hearts showed slam interest — he would have bid four hearts if he were content to play there — and they reached a good slam.
West led the jack of spades. Declarer won and led a trump to dummy’s ace ... and East discarded.
“It’s like playing the lottery,” South growled. “You never know how Lady Luck will treat you.”
“Lots of people fail to win the lottery,” North said mildly. “Don’t take it personally.”
South returned a trump to his king and next led a diamond to dummy’s queen. The finesse lost, and the result was down one.
South’s play was unlucky — and thoughtless. At Trick Two he must take the king of trumps. Even if West discards, South’s slam is safe. South continues with a trump to dummy’s ace, a second high spade and three high clubs. He ruffs his last club in dummy, and if East doesn’t overruff, South exits with a trump to end-play him.
Daily question
You hold: ♠ AK ♥ KJ1053 ♦ 76 ♣ A K 9 6. The dealer, at your right, opens two diamonds (a weak twobid). What do you say?
Answer: Your opponent’s preempt has done its job, taking away room you need to describe your hand. To double would be reasonable, planning to try three hearts if partner responded two spades. My preference would be to overcall two hearts. Then if he bid spades with no encouragement, I could raise. South dealer
N-S vulnerable