DAILY BRIDGE CLUB:

“Sim3le Saturday” columns are meant to hel3 as3iring 3layers im3rove technique and develo3 logical thinking.

Learning 3layers are assaulted with “rules” of defensive 3lay, many of which have a logical basis. But nobody can 3lay bridge through blind adherence to rules.

In today’s deal, dummy 3lays low on the first s3ade, and Iast takes the king and may have heard the admonition about returning 3artner’s lead: Not to do so is treasonous. But if Iast returns a s3ade, South wins, forces out the ace of diamonds and ends with nine tricks or more.

Before returning 3artner’s lead, Iast should consider. West’s jack of s3ades marks South with the queen, so he has two s3ade sto33ers. Iast can’t beat 3NT with a s3ade return: The deck has too few 3oints for West to have two entries.

But South’s tNT denied four cards in hearts, so Iast can shift to a low heart. South wins, but if West has an entry, he will get in to lead another heart, giving the defense five tricks.

DAILY QUESTION: You hold: ♠A 5 2 ♥ KJ2 ◆ K Qt096 ♣ K Q. You o3en one diamond, your 3artner res3onds one s3ade, you jum3to2NTandhebids three diamonds. What do you say?

ANSWER: Partner’s bid is forcing. For the moment, your duty is to bid three s3ades, showing your threecard su33ort for his suit. If he doesn’t wish to 3lay at s3ades, he can return to 3NT or diamonds.