Trials and errors

“YOUR honour,” the district attorney announced, “we will prove that West committed a felony in that he let South make a hopeless notrump game.”

“State your case,” the judge instructed.

“West led the five of spades,” the DA said. “East covered dummy’s six with the seven, and declarer won with the eight and led the king of clubs. West took his ace and shifted to a heart. South won that, forced out the ace of diamonds and had 11 tricks.

“Clearly, West must lead the king of spades when he takes the ace of clubs. His only real chance is that South started with the doubleton Q-8.”

NO FAULT

“Objection,” roared West’s counsel. “My client was not at fault.” How would you rule? I’d be inclined to let West off and charge East. West might have found the winning defence, but East made a clear error that misled his partner. At Trick One, East should signal “count” by playing the deuce of spades, suggesting three cards in the suit. To play the seven will accomplish nothing. DAILY QUESTION: You hold: ♠ KJ95 4 ♥ 10 9 3 ♦ A7 ♣ A 8 6. Your partner opens one club, you respond one spade and he bids two diamonds. What do you say? ANSWER: Your partner has “reversed” and suggests substantial extra strength

– at least 17 points, perhaps more depending on partnership style. Bid three clubs, showing your support and expecting partner to bid again. In some partnerships, you would be obliged to rebid two spades to show the long suit. South dealer E-W vulnerable