Consider the evidence

“THIS is a personal question,” I said to Cy the Cynic, “but have you ever been in really serious trouble?”

“I was arrested once,” Cy shrugged, “for growing something illegal in my backyard.” “Did you beat the rap?” “I was acquitted,” the Cynic said solemnly. “The court ruled that the evidence was planted.”

Cy didn’t acquit himself well in today’s deal. North-South got to four spades after East bid diamonds, and Cy, West, led a diamond. East won and shifted to a club, but South took the ace, led a trump to his hand, threw a club from dummy on the king of diamonds and started the hearts. He made his game, losing a heart, a club and a diamond.

SINGLETON

Cy should beat four spades; the evidence was there. South’s 3NT showed diamond strength. North suggested a shapely hand, probably with a singleton diamond.

Assuming the defence can get only one diamond trick, Cy’s best chance for more tricks is in clubs. If his opening lead is a low club, South must go down.

DAILY QUESTION: You hold: ♠ AK J8 4 ♥ 9 6 ♦ KJ8 ♣ J 7 6. You open one spade, your partner responds two hearts, you rebid two spades and he tries 2NT. What do you say?

ANSWER: Unless you’re affected by the game-in-every-hand syndrome, or unless you’re playing a system in which partner’s two hearts forced to game, pass. Partner has about 11 points, your values are minimum and you have no help for his hearts. A contract of 3NT should be an underdog.