Beyond understanding

“Got a question for you,” Cy the Cynic said to me.

“Sure,” I said, expecting a query about a deal.

“Do you understand cloning?” Cy asked gravely.

“Not at all.”

“Well,” the Cynic chortled, “that makes two of us.”

It’s hard to understand how South went down at today’s 3NT; some processes are mysterious. He won the first spade with the ace and let the jack of hearts ride. If the finesse won,♥south expected

♦ three hearts, three clubs and at least three spades. And the finesse did win: East followed with the eight.

EIGHT TRICKS

South then led a heart to dummy’s queen, and his second finesse didn’t win. East took the king and led a third heart. South had only eight tricks, and East got in with the ace of diamonds to cash two more hearts.

Losing 3NT wasn’t easy. South should lead the queen of diamonds at Trick Two. If East wins and returns a spade, South wins and leads the jack of diamonds. He sets up a diamond trick and can get two hearts for at least nine tricks in all.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: ♠ 74 ♥ K9832 ♦ A6 ♣ J 10 8 5. The dealer, at your left, opens one spade. Your partner doubles, and the next player bids two spades. What do you say?

Answer: You must act. The only question is how high to go. The decision is close; trade your jack of clubs for the king and you would bid four hearts. As it is, bid three hearts to compete. If the opponents go to three spades, you will defer to your partner and hope he makes a winning call.

South dealer

N-S vulnerable

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