Declarer must manage time well

The announcements prior to a church service included this:

“The class on time management ran long this morning, so children’s chapel will be moved to the gym.”

An effective declarer must be a time manager, playing the cards in the right order. At today’s 3NT, South won the second spade and let the eight of clubs ride. East took the king and led his last spade. South then had eight tricks: two spades, two hearts and four clubs. When he led the king of diamonds, West won and took two spades. Down one.

South mistimed. He is safe for nine tricks if the club finesse wins but will need a diamond trick otherwise. Since West’s spades are a threat, South must force out West’s possible entry early, before his spades are cashable. So South must lead a high diamond at Trick Three.

If West wins and leads another spade, South wins and loses the club finesse. If East had another spade to lead, South would still lose only four tricks in all. This week: good timing.

DAILY QUESTION: You hold: ♠ 86 ♥ K6 ◆ 1094 2 ♣AQ 10 9 4. Your partner opens one spade, you respond 1NT, he bids two hearts and you return to two spades. Partner next bids three clubs. What do you say? ANSWER: Your hand has become a battleship. Partner remains interested in game: He has substantial extra strength and seems to have 5-4-0-4 pattern. The play at clubs will go well since he can ruff diamonds in his hand. Bid five clubs. If partner goes to six clubs, you will cheer.