BRIDGE

CIRCULATORY ISSUES

Unlucky Louie rarely misses a day at my club. “I think Louie has bridge in his blood,” Rose remarked to me. “Maybe so,” Cy the Cynic sniffed, “but it hasn’t reached his brain yet.” Louie had circulatory problems in today’s deal, where West’s 1NT promised 16 to 18 points. As the declarer at four hearts, Louie ruffed the third high spade and drew trumps. He next led a club to dummy’s king, but East produced the ace. On the club return, Louie’s ten lost to West’s jack. Louie later won a diamond finesse and got out for down one. “I always guess wrong,” Louie sighed.

UNLUCKY?

Was Louie unlucky, or did he have an arterial blockage? After Louie draws trumps, he should lead a diamond to the queen, cash the ace and ruff a diamond, dropping West’s K-J. Louie has then seen 15 high-card points in West’s hand: West can’t have the ace of clubs but must have the jack. So Louie next leads a club to dummy’s nine to land the contract. This week: counting and inference.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: ♠ 86 ♥ A K 10 9 6 3 ♦ 52♣ Q 10 3. You open two hearts (weak), and your partner responds 2NT, asking for more information. Since you lack a side ace or king, you bid three hearts, and he tries 3NT. What do you say?

ANSWER: Your duties are the same as after you open with a preempt: You described your hand, more or less, and partner is responsible for placing the contract. Pass. He will often have heart help to let him run your suit.

West dealer Neither side vulnerable