DAILY BRIDGE CLUB:

I continue a series on suit establishment. Setting up a long suit is a basic skill in dummy play, but the right way to go about it may be subtle.

At today’s 3NT, South took the jack of hearts and counted three heart tricks and four clubs. He could get one diamond by forcing out the ace but needed two. At the second trick, South led the queen of diamonds. East played low.

When South next let the 10 ride, East took the jack and returned a heart. Since dummy had only one entry, South couldn’t set up the diamonds and get back to cash them. He ended with the eight tricks with which he began.

At Trick Two, South should lead the 10 of diamonds and play low from dummy. If East takes the jack and returns a heart, South overtakes the queen of diamonds with the king to set up the diamonds. The queen of clubs is an entry.

If instead East lets the 10 of diamonds win, South leads the queen next, playing low from dummy. He is sure of the two diamond tricks he needs.

DAILY QUESTION: You hold: ♠ A108 ♥ 7642

◆ AJ7 ♣ 10 7 3. Your partner opens one club, and the next player doubles. What do you say?

ANSWER: If your opponent had passed, you would (or could) have responded one heart to look for a fit in the major suit. But the double suggests length and strength in hearts, significantly reducing the chance that you belong at hearts. Moreover, the auction may turn competitive. Bid 1NT.