BRIDGE

South could ruff a club, draw trump and concede two spades to score an overtrick, N-S +130. The Flannery opening disclosed five hearts and four spades with 11-15 HCP. North's advance to three diamonds promised a six-card suit, no interest in a major and was invitational. South was pleased to play in diamonds but declined to venture game since he held a bare bones minimum. I believe that West should lead a diamond versus the partsore but South would still emerge with ten tricks by negotiating a club ruff in the closed hand. Somewhat perversely, nine tricks are available in 3NT because the king of clubs furnishes a ninth winner. A leap to the nine-trick game with the North hand involves too much risk. East is likely to choose the king of hearts (or perhaps the queen) as an opening lead. North can count eight tricks and is likely to win the ace and immediately play a club to the king for a scary +600. However, if East produces the ace of clubs, the defense will score a multi- trick set. E-W own a nine-card club fit but East reasonably declined to participate in the auction.