DAILY BRIDGE CLUB

“So you’re doing a series on good timing by declarer,” Cy the Cynic said to me. “You should consult Minnie, the master of timing, ” Cy growled.

Minnie Bottoms wears old bifocals that make her mix up kings and jacks, often to her opponents’ dismay. Cy has been Minnie’s chief victim.

“She played at 3NT,” Cy said, showing me today’s deal. “I led a heart as West: three, king, ace. And Minnie then led the jack of clubs!”

“She thought she had the A-K,” I smiled. “She was just ‘unblocking.’”

“East won and returned a heart,” the Cynic said, “and Minnie ducked, won the third heart and attacked the diamonds. East took the king, but Minnie had nine tricks.”

Minnie’s timing was perfect. She should lead a club early, forcing out the only entry West might have after his hearts are established. But if Minnie leads the ace and jack of clubs, East can win, lead the jack of hearts, then shift back to clubs effectively.

DAILY QUESTION You hold: S J 10 3 H K J 9 D K 3 C K 9 8 7 5. Your partner opens one diamond, you respond two clubs, he rebids two diamonds and you try 2NT. Partner then bids three clubs. What do you say?

ANSWER: Say “Enough!” You’ve already bid this hand rather aggressively, and your partner’s preference to three clubs is an attempt to sign off below game. He suggests a minimum, unbalanced hand, hence game is impossible. Pass or bid three diamonds. Partner’s hand may be 5 4, A 4, Q J 10 8 7 6, A J 4.