DAILY BRIDGE CLUB Only one chance at the contract

Cy the Cynic says that the worst thing about doing something right the first time is that nobody can appreciate how hard it was.

When you’re declarer, you get one chance at your contract — no doovers. Cy was declarer at today’s 3NT. He won the first heart with the queen and, with an awkward problem, led a low diamond. West took the king and led a second heart, forcing out Cy’s ace.

The Cynic next unblocked his king of spades, led a diamond to dummy and tried the ace of spades. When the queen failed to appear, Cy led to his ace of clubs and tried the ace of diamonds, hoping for a 3-3 break. Alas, he lost the rest for down two.

If you were declarer, could you make the most of your one chance?

South succeeds by overtaking the king of spades with dummy’s ace at Trick Two, then leading the jack ... and pitching his ace of hearts. However the defenders proceed, South can reach dummy with a heart or minor-suit honor to run the spades for at least nine tricks.

DAILY QUESTION: You hold: 76 K9874

K1098 K 6. Your partner opens one diamond, you respond one heart, he bids two clubs and you return to two diamonds. Partner then bids three clubs. What do you say?

ANSWER: Your partner did not bid again because he was reluctant to play at diamonds; his bidding shows interest in game and suggests at least 10 minor-suit cards. Though your king of hearts may be wasted, bid five diamonds. Partner holds at least A 4, 2,AQ765,AJ743.