FRANK STEWART BRIDGE

SIMPLE SATURDAY

My “Simple Saturday” columns focus on improving basic technique and developing logical thinking.

As a defender, count your tricks. It takes four to beat a major-suit game, but in the heat of battle, defenders may lose sight of the target. Today’s West had no attractive opening lead against four spades. To his credit, he found a diamond — the winning lead — but when East took the ace, he returned partner’s lead. West took the king of diamonds but was stuck. He shifted to a club, and South won, drew trumps and took three more clubs to pitch a heart. Making four.

Club Honors

West’s good lead went for nothing because East didn’t count tricks. East knows his side will get no clubs — if West has club honors, declarer can finesse successfully — and if West has a trump trick, he will always get it. Since the defense will need at least one heart trick, East must shift to a heart at Trick Two. West will take the A-Q and cash his king of diamonds for down one.

Daily Question You hold:

♠ Q 10 6 ♥ J862 ♦ 85 ♣ A Q 10 4. Your partner opens one diamond, you respond one heart, he bids one spade and you try 1NT. Partner then bids two hearts. What do you say?

Your 1NT showed six to 10 points. Your partner would not have suggested a higher-level contract, especially at hearts on a possible 4-3 trump fit, unless he had substantially more than minimum values. Jump to 3NT. Partner should hold a hand such as A K 9 5, K Q 5, A 10 9 6 4, 3.

Answer: South dealer N-S vulnerable