Daily Bridge Club

Secondhand Rose

The player we call “Secondhand Rose” was at my club today. When the lesson about “second hand low” on defense was taught, Rose was out with Jiggs the plumber.

“Look at the play she made against me in the penny game,” Cy the Cynic said.

Cy was declarer at 3NT. He and North had only 12 points opposite 12, but North bid boldly, knowing the play would be easier when West was marked with the missing points.

“I won the first club with the ten,” Cy said, “and led a low heart. Secondhand Rose ... with the ace! And next, she led the TEN of spades: jack, queen, king. When I led a second heart, East won and returned a spade, and Rose took three spades for down one.”

SPADE LEAD

Rose had to play “second hand high” at Trick Two. The defense must attack the spades to have a chance, but the first spade lead must come from West to be effective. Moreover, West must lead the ten as an honor-trapping play.

“It seems she knows something besides second-hand play,” the Cynic grumbled.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: ♠ A 10 8 6 ♥ A2 ♦ 2 ♣ Q J 7 6 3 2. Your partner opens one diamond, you bid two clubs, he rebids two diamonds and you try two spades. Partner then bids three clubs. What do you say?

ANSWER: Your partner’s bidding is not encouraging, but even if your bid of two spades had not set up a game-forcing auction, you wouldn’t want to pass. Your sixth club and two side aces are promising features. Jump to five clubs or bid three hearts. East dealer N-S vulnerable