DAILY BRIDGE CLUB:

Unlucky Louie says that one advantage of having a big family (and his is sizable) is that someone is always home to answer the phone — and forget to pass along a message.

Today’s West led a spade against 3NT, and South ducked East’s king and jack. Taking no chances, West overtook with the queen and led the 10.

South next ran the diamonds, and East had to discard three times. He let go two hearts without pain — if South had the A-Q, the contract was unbeatable — but stewed over his third discard. South had pitched two clubs, so East finally threw a club. South then took the A-K and won his ninth trick with the 10.

West left his partner a message, but East didn’t get it. When West led the 10 of spades at Trick Three — his highest remaining spade — he indicated a possible entry in the highest-ranking remaining suit. (If West had no certain entry anywhere, he would lead a middle spade.)

East must trust his partner and discard three hearts on the diamonds.

DAILY QUESTION: You hold: 9 K732 AK J 10 7 8 5 4. artner opens one spade, you respond two diamonds, he rebids two spades and you try 2NT. Partner next bids three diamonds. What do you say?

ANSWER: Your gameinvitational bid of 2NT was an uncomfortable choice, but no other action was attractive. Your partner’s third bid suggests a minimum hand with no liking for either game or notrump. Pass.