DAILY BRIDGE CLUB:

Some people may assert that percentages indicate that a person with one leg in an oven and the other in a bucket of ice is quite comfortable. But percentage play is a factor for declarer.

Today’s West leads the queen of spades against 3NT, and South wins. South can next lead a diamond to his jack. If East held Q-x-x or Q-10, South could win five diamonds and at least 10 tricks in all.

But such a favorable diamond position will happen only about one time in five. If West has the queen of diamonds, he will lead another spade, killing the entry to the long diamonds.

To make 3NT, South needs only four diamond tricks. His best chance is to lead to the ace and return the jack. When West’s queen appears, South takes the king and forces out East’s 10. If West played low on the second diamond, South would put up the king. He would have many chances to succeed.

DAILY QUESTION: You hold: 953 AK84◆ AJ A 8 6 2. Your partner opens one diamond, you respond one heart, he bids one spade and you try two clubs. Partner then bids two diamonds. What do you say?

ANSWER: Partner suggests six diamonds and four spades. Even though his values may be minimum, you might make six diamonds. Hemay hold AK84,63,

K Q 10 8 6 3, 4. Bid three diamonds. Partner should treat that bid as forcing; you wouldn’t make three forward-going bids without a good hand.