Burning questions

How many psychiatrists does take to change a light bulb?

One, but the bulb must truly want to change.

The play in today’s deal reminds me of the man who told so many light-bulb jokes that he got burned out. Against South’s four hearts, West led his singleton club: three, jack, ace. Declarer next led a trump to the ace and a second trump, declining to finesse because he feared an impending club ruff. But East took the king and returned a club, and West ruffed and exited with a spade.

DIAMONDS

South won but had to attack the diamonds. No matter how he proceeded, he had to lose two diamonds for down one.

South must have been burned out since he missed an easy play for his game. After he wins the first trick, he must take the A-K of spades before he starts the trumps. East can still win and give West a club ruff, but then West must break the diamonds or concede a fatal ruff-sluff. If West leads a low diamond, South plays low from dummy and loses only one diamond.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: ♠ K3 ♥ AJ 9 4 ♦J 42♣ Q 753. Your partner opens one diamond, you respond one it heart and he bids one spade. The opponents pass. What do you say?

ANSWER: You have 11 points — enough to invite game but not to force to game. Since you have balanced distribution and a stopper in the unbid suit, jump to 2NT. If your club holding were A 10 5 3, or if your actual hand contained better intermediate spot cards, you might bid 3NT yourself. South dealer N-S vulnerable