FRANK STEWART BRIDGE

PRESERVING OPTIONS

Unlucky Louie, he of endless misfortune, says that if at first you don’t succeed, you’re running about average. Louie was declarer at today’s six hearts, and West led a trump. Louie drew trumps and next led a spade to dummy’s queen. East took the king and led the jack of clubs, and Louie had to guess: If East had the king, Louie needed to finesse, but if West had it, Louie thought he needed to take his ace and hope for a 3-3 diamond break for a 12th trick.

Inevitably, Louie went wrong. He tried the finesse and went down when West had the king.

Extra Chance

Louie might have judged to take the ace of clubs. He would actually have an extra chance of a squeeze if a defender had the king of clubs plus four or more diamonds. But Louie might well test the diamonds right after he draws trumps. The 3-3 break would give him a 12th trick.

If the diamonds don’t break evenly, Louie leads a spade toward the queen. If East has the king, Louie still succeeds if the club finesse wins.

Daily Question

You hold: ♠ Q7 ♥ Q 10 8 7 3 ♦ AQ64 ♣ 4 2. Your partner opens one diamond, you respond one heart and he bids one spade. What do you say?

Answer: If in your partnership a jump to three diamonds is invitational, that call would be fine. But if your partner will treat a jump preference in his first suit as forcing, you lack the strength to force. Then (or if you aren’t sure), underbid with two diamonds and hope he won’t pass if you have a game. South dealer

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