Logical thinking

CY the Cynic says that a college education never hurts anyone willing to learn after he graduates. When you start bridge, you learn rules. When you advance, you learn logical reasoning.

Today’s West led the deuce of spades against 3NT, and South captured East’s jack and led a diamond to dummy’s king, expecting five diamond tricks, two clubs and another spade. When East discarded a club, South was doomed. He led the A-Q and then a fourth diamond, as East threw a spade and two hearts. South won West’s spade return and cashed the fifth diamond, but East threw another club, and declarer got only the K-A of clubs. Down one.

WINNING PLAY

Could South reason out the winning play at 3NT?

West’s lead of the deuce suggested four spades. If he had five clubs or hearts, he would have led that suit. So if diamonds broke 4-0, only West could have four.

South must lead the ace of diamonds at Trick Two. Then he can pick up the diamonds with finesses against West and win nine tricks.

DAILY QUESTION You hold: 84 J63 KQ82 A 10 5 4. Your partner opens one club, you respond one diamond, he bids one spade and you try two clubs. Partner next bids two diamonds. What do you say?

ANSWER Your preference to two clubs was a bit conservative, and since partner bid again anyway, you must make sure of reaching game. (He would not bid over two clubs merely because he was worried about clubs as a trump suit.) Bid five clubs. Partner may hold A K 3 2, 2, A 5 4, K J 8 6 3. South dealer Both sides vulnerable

Opening lead –

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