FRANK STEWART BRIDGE

SIMPLE SATURDAY “Simple Saturday” columns focus on improving basic technique and developing logical thinking.

“Horses get distracted. I guess it’s just human nature.” — a horse trainer, on the problems with training thoroughbreds. In today’s deal, North’s leap to four spades was preemptive in theory. His hand really had too much slam potential for that action, with first-round control of two side suits. When South bid again, North tried six spades. Second Club

West led the queen of hearts, and South ruffed in dummy and drew trumps. He next tried a club finesse with the nine, but West won and got a second club with his king later.

It seems that dummy’s heart void was a distraction. To make the slam, all South had to do was discard a club from dummy at Trick One — a loser on a loser. East would win and lead a club, but South could take the ace and discard dummy’s last club on the king of hearts. Then he could set up his clubs with ruffs in dummy and get home easily. Daily Question

You hold: 87 3 Q J 10 8 5 Q 9 KJ

♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ 8. Your partner opens one diamond, you respond one heart and he bids one spade. What do you say?

Answer: To rebid two hearts would be an error. To rebid a fivecard suit is permissible but seldom desirable. Usually, a better bid to show the overall character of your hand will be available. Bid 1NT, showing six to nine points with balanced pattern and (probably) something in the unbid suit. South dealer E-W vulnerable