DAILY BRIDGE CLUB

The first trick is a hopeful time for declarer, an opportunity to play well. But opportunity would have to advertise to get some people’s attention.

Today’s West led the six of clubs against 3NT, and declarer played low from dummy and won with the nine. He was reluctant to finesse in diamonds through West; East might win and lead a fatal heart. So South took the top diamonds. When no queen appeared, South cashed the A-K of spades and A-K of clubs and exited with a club.

West took his 10 and queen and cashed his ace of hearts. South scored his king of hearts but lost the last two tricks to East’s queens in spades and diamonds. Down one.

South missed opportunities. If West’s six is his fourth-highest club, South can win Trick One with dummy’s seven. He next lets the jack of diamonds ride as an “avoidance” play.

As the cards lie, South can make two overtricks. But even if West had the queen, South would be sure of four diamonds, three clubs and two spades.

Daily question

You hold: ♠ A K 2 ♥ K 4 ♦ K 9 7 ♣ A K J 9 3. You open 2NT, and your partner responds three diamonds, a transfer. You duly bid three hearts, and he bids four diamonds. What do you say?

Answer: Partner has a red twosuiter and may have slam aspirations or doubt about the best game, but too much of your strength lies in the black suits to encourage a high contract. Sign off at four hearts or 4NT. If your hand were A J 2, K J, A K 7, A 9 8 3 2, you would do more.

South dealer

N-S vulnerable