Partner’s strong play helps victory

In May I had the honor to speak and play at Godfrey’s Grand Slam BeneRit, an Atlanta event that raised almost $34,000 for spina biRida research.

The strong play of my partner, Frank Garson, helped us top our section. In today’s deal, I opened a weak two-bid, South overcalled and Garson competed with three spades. North huddled before passing; still, South felt justiRied in acting again.

Against four hearts, West led the ace of spades, and I played the deuce, hoping for a club shift. The position was unclear, and West next led the ace of diamonds and then a club.

Declarer won but then took the A-K of trumps and went down one. Since I had opened two spades, vulnerable, the odds in the trump suit had changed. South should have played West for Q-x-x.

Regards to Dr. Godfrey Oakley, the distinguished former director of the CDC’s Division of Birth Defects and inspiration for the event, and to cochairs Brenda Shavin and Janet Edwards. Well done!

DAILY QUESTION: You hold: A975 Q94

A 10 7 9 5 3. Your partner opens one heart. The next player passes. What do you say?

ANSWER: With some flat 10-point hands, you might settle for a “heavy” raise to two hearts. A hand such as Q765, AJ4,K76, 9 5 3 would not be worth its point count. Your actual hand has two aces and some decent spot cards. Temporize with a response of one spade. If partner bids two of a minor suit next, jump to three hearts to invite game.