Bridge

“This is a personal question,” I said to Cy the Cynic, “but have you ever been in really serious trouble?”

“I was arrested once,” Cy shrugged, “for growing something illegal in my backyard.” “Did you beat the rap?” “I was acquitted,” the Cynic said solemnly. “The court ruled that the evidence was planted.”

Cy didn’t acquit himself well in today’s deal. North-South got to four spades after East bid diamonds, and Cy, West, led a diamond. East won and shifted to a club, but South took the ace, led a trump to his hand, threw a club from dummy on the king of diamonds and started the hearts. He made his game, losing a heart, a club and a diamond.

Cy should beat four spades; the evidence was there. South’s 3NT showed diamond strength. North suggested a shapely hand, probably with a singleton diamond.

Assuming the defense can get only one diamond trick, Cy’s best chance for more tricks is in clubs. If his opening lead is a low club, South must go down.