Rules are not engraved in stone

Pericles, whom Thucydides claimed was “the first citizen of Athens,” said, “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”

That is surely true, although the Egyptian pharaohs in particular liked to engrave their names and exploits in grand stone monuments.

As I mentioned yesterday, the adages of bridge are not engraved in stone. There are exceptions to the rules. Not erring in these unusual deals sorts out experts from less capable players.

Today, for example, South is in three no-trump. West leads the heart nine, his higher card in the suit that his partner bid. What should happen after that?

Some inexperienced players would open one no-trump with that North hand, but it is far too strong.

However, even if you changed the spade queen to the spade 10, I would still think that one notrump was debatable, given the two unstopped suits.

Many Easts, after declarer plays dummy’s low heart, would also play low in the hope of later cashing four tricks in the suit. Here, though, South would win with his king and take his nine spade and diamond winners.

East has to see that declarer has at least nine tricks ready to run, the spade finesse working if he needs it. Can the defense win the first five tricks?

Maybe. East must win with his heart ace and shift to the club two, the low card guaranteeing at least one honor in the suit. Here, West will win as cheaply as possible and return the club five to East’s ace. Then, a third club defeats the contract.