Bridge

Cy the Cynic says that every silver lining has a cloud attached to it. Cy is such a pessimist — he expects the worst and is seldom disappointed — that I was surprised when he went down at today’s slam.

In a penny game, Cy played at 6NT. He won the heart opening lead in dummy and tried a club finesse with his jack. West gratefully gathered in his singleton king and led a second heart.

Cy won, cashed the ace of clubs and cursed when West discarded. He next led the jack of diamonds, and when West’s king covered, Cy claimed down one. DOWN TWO “Silver lining,” the Cynic shrugged. “If the diamond finesse loses, I go down two.” How would you play the slam? Cy should win the first heart in his hand and lead the jack of diamonds. When the diamond finesse wins, he needs only three club tricks and can play safe by taking the ace next. If both defenders played low, Cy could lead twice toward his Q-J of clubs, winning 12 tricks whenever the lie of the cards allowed.