Daily Bridge Club

Problems on paper

“We had a good team on paper. Unfortunately, the games were played on grass.” — a baseball manager after a losing season.

A play problem presented on a napkin — or on a piece of paper — in the bar after the game is easier to solve than ones you face at the table. Cover the East and South cards and defend as today’s West. Against four spades you lead your singleton club in response to East’s overcall. He takes the jack, king and ace, and you must discard twice.

Which two cards do you get rid of? SOLUTION

Since I’ve alerted you that it’s a special deal — otherwise it wouldn’t be here — you might well find the solution. You pitch your queen and ace of hearts! East will then lead a heart, and whatever declarer does, your J-9-3 of trumps will produce the setting trick.

At the table, nobody tells you — no bells or whistles sound — when you need to find a good play. I would be willing to define an expert as someone who is alert to seize unlikely opportunities. DAILY QUESTION You hold: ♠7 4 ♥9 8 6 3 ♦ 8 ♣A K J 6 3 2. Only the opponents are vulnerable. Your partner deals and passes, and the next player passes. What do you say?

ANSWER: You do not have a classical hand for a preempt, but since your partner is a passed hand, you are entitled to take some liberties. Bid three clubs. The vulnerability offers a bit of protection, and you want to make it difficult for the opponents to find their best contract. North dealer N-S vulnerable