Discussion group

TODAY’S deal caused a “discussion” at my club.

South’s five spades looked safe, but when he led a trump to dummy at the second trick, West discarded. South drew trumps and led the king of clubs, and East took his ace and returned a heart.

South ruffed with his last trump, took the ace of diamonds and the Q-J of clubs, and led another diamond. The king won his last trick; West won the last two tricks with the queen of diamonds and a heart.

AUTOMATIC

North-South discussed the result quietly and sensibly – almost. South said North’s bid of five spades was a howler. North said it was automatic.

Presumably, South thought North should have passed five hearts doubled, but unless he led a trump, North-South would be minus 650. Moreover, South could make five spades. At Trick Three dummy leads a club. If South’s king wins, he draws trumps and sets up the diamonds. If instead East takes the ace to lead another heart, South has six trumps, three clubs and two diamonds.

DAILY QUESTION: You hold: ♠ 10 8 4

3 ♥ K98 ♦ 6 ♣ A 10 9 7 2. Your partner opens one diamond, and the next player doubles. What do you say? ANSWER: Expert opinion would vary. Players whose practice is to “ignore the double” would bid one spade, but that approach makes no sense to me. Pass. You have nothing you’re eager to say. The next player is unlikely to pass for penalty when you have an ace and a king, but if he does, partner can seek a different contract if he wishes.