FRANK STEWART BRIDGE

Cy the Cynic observes that by the end of that 12-day Christmas carol, your house will be overrun by almost 200 birds of various species, plus more than 100 hyperactive humans. I haven’t verified those numbers, but I know that South could have earned a gold ring at today’s slam with only a little counting. Against 6NT West led the ten of spades: king, ace. Declarer won the spade return and cashed the three top diamonds. When West discarded a spade, South tried the top clubs. This time East threw a heart, and declarer took only 11 tricks.

HURRY

South was too quick to test the minor suits. After he wins the second spade, he can cash a third spade; East pitches a heart. South then takes his three heart tricks, and West discards a spade. Next, South takes the high clubs. When East discards another heart, South has a complete count: West had five spades, four clubs and two hearts, hence two diamonds. So South can take the ace of diamonds, unblocking dummy’s ten, and lead a diamond to the king. When no jack appears, South leads a third diamond to his nine.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: ♠ A 6 ♥ J 5 4 3 2 ♦ J 8 5 3 ♣ 10 2. Neither side vulnerable. Your partner deals and opens one heart, and the next player doubles. What do you say?

ANSWER: Jump to three hearts to try to obstruct the opponents. With a good hand, you would redouble or perhaps make some conventional strength-showing call. With a bit more shape – A 6, J 5 4 3 2, J 8 5 3 2, 2 – you could bid four hearts. Partner might make that contract, but if he did not, the opponents could likely make something. South dealer

N-S vulnerable