FRANK STEWART BRIDGE

DUPLICATE TACTICS

“I was playing in one of those duplicate rat races,” a fan’s email reads, “and was declarer at four spades. West led a heart, and I ruffed the third heart and took the K-A of trumps. If East holds J-9-8-2, I can pick up his trumps and make an overtrick.

“But when West had J-9-8-7, I was in trouble. If

I led the queen and a fourth trump, the defense could cash a heart. So I started the diamonds. West ruffed the third diamond and got out with a trump, and I lost a club.

“I see that I could have made the contract, but to find the winning play at duplicate wouldn’t have to me.” Diamonds

South could start the trumps with the K-Q. When East showed out, South would lead diamonds. If West ruffed the third diamond and led another heart, South could ruff in his hand and go to the ace of trumps to finish the diamonds.

I suppose South might have played safe; East always beats four spades with a club shift at Trick Two. But I fear I would have played as South actually did. Daily Question

You hold: A 5 3 10 6 4 A Q J 6 4 Q 6. You ♠ ♥ ♦ ♣ open one diamond, your partner bids two clubs, you rebid two diamonds and he rebids three clubs. What do you say?

Answer: Partner has long clubs but minimum values for a two-level response. If he has K 4 2, 8, 9 8 2, A K 10 9 7 4, a minor-suit game would be a favorite. If he has 4, 9 8 7, K 3 2, A K 10 9 7 4, you might bring home 3NT. To pass might be right, but bid three spades, giving yourself a chance to reach game.

South dealer N-S vulnerable