Daily Bridge Club

Finesses are free

By FRANK STEWART Tribune Content Agency

“The best things in life are free. Everything else is too expensive.” — Cy the Cynic

Cy says that the best things in life are free finesses. Cynical as he is, Cy distrusts finesses and would rather his opponents took them for him.

In a team match, both Wests led a spade against 3NT. At one table, South won with the eight, returned a spade to dummy’s queen and tried a diamond to his jack. West took the queen and led a third spade to the ace. South then tried a second diamond to his king, and his roof collapsed. West won, and the defense got a spade and four diamonds.

BETTER

Cy found a better approach. The first two tricks were the same, but then the Cynic cashed the ace of spades and four clubs and exited with his jack of spades.

When West won, he had to help declarer. He led the nine of hearts: three, jack, ace. Cy returned the ten. East took his king and led a diamond, but when West won, he had to give Cy a diamond trick or give dummy the queen of hearts. Making three.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: K 10 9 2 9 8 4 A Q 7 8 5 3. Your partner opens one heart, you raise to two hearts and he bids three clubs. What do you say?

ANSWER: This problem is deceptively hard. Partner’s three clubs is a try for game and asks you to decide with particular attention to your holding in his second suit. Though you have a maximum raise, your holdings in his suits are the worst. Bid 3NT, but if partner corrects to four hearts, don’t be surprised if he doesn’t make it. South dealer Both sides vulnerable