FRANK STEWART BRIDGE

BRAINLESS PLAY?

“I read,” Cy the Cynic told me in the club lounge, “that the jellyfish has existed for 500 million years without having much of a brain. That gives hope to some of my partners.”

Cy’s comment about marine life came after today’s deal. As West, Cy led the jack of spades against 3NT. Declarer won with dummy’s queen, led a heart to his ace and returned the nine of clubs: seven, four, queen. East then led a second spade, and South won, lost a club to Cy’s ace, won the third spade and had nine tricks: three spades, three hearts and three clubs.

“I’d have had a better chance playing with a jellyfish,” Cy growled. Avoidance

When East takes the queen of clubs, he can place Cy with the ace. If South had it, he would have cashed it before finessing, and if his spades were K-x-x, he would have finessed in clubs the other way as an “avoidance” play. At Trick Three, East should lead a low diamond. South wins, but when Cy takes the ace of clubs, his diamond return beats the contract. Daily Question You hold: ♠ 8 5 2 ♥ J 8 ♦ AQ9 3 2 ♣Q 6 2. Your partner opens one heart, you respond 1NT, he bids two clubs and you return to two hearts. Partner then bids three clubs. What do you say? Answer: Partner’s three clubs shows game interest despite your weak heart preference. Since you have a maximum 1NT response and fitting honors in his suits, to pass would be timid. Bid three diamonds to encourage and show diamond strength. Maybe partner will be able to bid 3NT.

South dealer

N-S vulnerable