BRIDGE

When I watched today’s deal at the club, North was Grapefruit, our member with a sour disposition and tongue to match. He is merciless with partners.

West led the king of hearts against the bold four spades, and Grapefruit tabled dummy looking as if he expected overtricks. South ruffed, drew trumps and led the ace and a low diamond to dummy’s queen. He lost two clubs and two diamonds, and Grapefruit told South that if his IQ ever went up to 40, he should sell.

“West overcalled at the two level, vulnerable,” South protested. “I played him for the king of diamonds.”

Grapefruit informed the kibitzers that in the pinball game of life, South’s flippers were too far apart.

After South draws trumps, he can cash the ace of clubs, ruff dummy’s last heart and exit with a club. The defense takes two clubs, and West leads his last club. South can ruff in dummy, pitch a diamond from his hand and let the queen of diamonds ride. If West could win, he would be end-played.

Question: You hold: ♠ J9 73 ♥ J4 ♦ Q974 ♣ A 6 3. Your partner opens one heart. The next player doubles. What do you say?

Answer: If your opponent had passed, a response of one spade would be routine. Some players would ignore the double and choose that action still. But the double suggests spade length and strength, and the auction may become competitive. I advocate giving partner a picture of your hand so he can judge whether to compete. Bid 1NT.