BRIDGE

When South overcalled 1NT, North’s three diamonds invited game. If North’s hand were strong enough to force, he could start with a cue bid of East’s suit. North might have tried 3NT instead, but South bid game because he liked his diamond honors.

When West led the king of hearts, South let it win. He won the next heart with the queen and took the K-Q of diamonds. With a 3-2 break, he would have made an overtrick, but when East discarded, South could assemble only eight winners before the defense got two clubs and three hearts.

South’s play would have been fine at matchpoint duplicate, where an overtrick might be vital. At IMPs or party bridge, South should cash the king of diamonds, overtake the queen with dummy’s ace and force out the jack.

If West leads a club next, East wins and leads a third heart, but South can take the ace, run the diamonds and finesse in spades. (East’s bid marks him with the king.) South wins five diamonds, two hearts and two spades. Question: You hold: ♠ KJ 106 ♥ J10976 ♦ 5 ♣ AK8.You open one heart, your partner bids one spade, you raise to two spades and he tries 2NT. The opponents pass. What do you say?

Answer: Your partner is trying for game. He probably has four not-so-strong spades, balanced pattern and about 11 high-card points. Given your hand, you must accept his invitation. Bid four spades.

East dealer Both sides vulnerable