Trials and errors

“Your honor,” the District Attorney intoned, “we will prove that South committed a felony. He lost a cold contract.” “Proceed,” the judge instructed. “South might have passed three diamonds,” the DA began. “East would have gone down two. Against three hearts, West led a diamond, and East took the K-A and led a third diamond: queen, ruff by West, overruff. Declarer next led a club to his queen. He drew trumps and led another club: seven, nine, ten.”

SPADE LOSERS

“East then led the king of spades. South took the ace and ruffed a club, but when the ace didn’t fall, he lost two spades.”

“My client is blameless,” South’s counsel roared.

“Guilty,” the judge ruled. “South must let the king of spades win. East has shown six diamonds and two trumps. If he has a second spade to lead, he started with only three clubs, and South can ruff a club to drop the ace and set up the king for a discard. As it is, East must lead a diamond, conceding a ruff-sluff, or lead the ace of clubs.”

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: K 10 5 A K 10 9 7 6 A 10 8 6. Your partner opens one heart, you respond two diamonds, he bids two spades and you try three clubs. Partner then bids three diamonds. What do you say?

ANSWER: Your partner has a good hand. In most partnerships, his “reverse” bid of two spades shows above-minimum strength. He also suggests shortness in clubs, so your ace is a perfect card, and your diamonds are magnificent. Bid 4NT. A grand slam is likely. North dealer Neither side vulnerable