The careful declarer

IF I were to characterize an expert declarer in one word, it would be “careful.” He never messes up easy contracts and brings an array of techniques to tough ones.

At today’s 3NT, dummy’s king wins the first spade. South has seven top tricks. If diamonds break 3-2 or clubs break 3-3, he will have no worries.

South tests the diamonds first: He cashes the ace and carefully unblocks his nine. Declarer next leads a diamond from dummy to his eight, preserving communication. If West takes his ten, South can finesse with dummy’s seven later to win four diamond tricks. So West lets the eight of diamonds win.

HIGH CLUBS

Since South can get only three diamonds, he shifts to clubs. If he takes the high clubs and concedes a fourth club, the defence can cash three hearts and lead a fourth heart. Dummy will have a diamond loser at the end: down one.

To handle a 4-2 club break, South takes care to lead a low club first. The defense can cash three hearts, but South has the rest.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: K J7652 A K 7 4 3 6 2. North in today’s deal opened one heart with this hand. Do you agree with that action?

ANSWER

Many good players would have opened (and would open anything that remotely resembles an opening bid). The case for passing, which I find persuasive, is that the long heart suit is ragged and the singleton king of spades is devalued. I would open – not cheerfully but willingly – with 2, K J 10 6 2, A K 7 4 3, 6 2.

North dealer Both sides vulnerable Opening lead – ♠6