DAILY BRIDGE CLUB:

“Over the course of a season, a miscue will cost you more than a good play.” — Jerry Coleman (19242014), former major leaguer and San Diego Padres broadcaster, known for his bewildering comments.

The mistakes you make at bridge won’t always be costly, but sometimes justice will prevail. At today’s four spades, South took the ace of diamonds and next cashed the K-A of trumps. When West discarded, South couldn’t afford to take the queen of trumps and start the clubs. East would ruff the second club, and the defense would cash three heart tricks.

So South led a heart at Trick Four. East won and led the jack of trumps, and whatever declarer did, he was sure to lose four tricks.

South erred and was punished. On the second trump, he must play the nine, guarding against a 4-1 break. If West could win, South could ruff the diamond return, draw the last trump and run the clubs. As the cards lie, he makes a deserved overtrick.

DAILY QUESTION: You hold: ♠ K62 ♥ 94 ◆ A5 2 ♣ A 9 7 6 3. The dealer, at your left, opens one spade. Your partner doubles, and the next player passes. What do you say?

ANSWER: You must invite game, and either of two actions would be reasonable. You can bid 2NT to show about 11 points, balanced, with a spade trick, or you can bid three clubs to show about the same strength with a good suit. To respond 1NT or two clubs would vastly understate your values.