FRANK STEWART BRIDGE

CHERISHING PARTNER

Someone with experience in the world of business will tell you that it’s not a good idea to enter a partnership if your goal is to gain an advantage over your partner. Bridge is similar, but some players tend to treat their partner as an adversary. In today’s deal, North-South got to four spades — North would have made 3NT — and West led the four of hearts. East took the ace and returned the eight, and South played the ten and jack.

When West won, he was unsure what to do. He shifted to a diamond, playing South for A J 10 9 2, J 10, 3 2, K Q 10 6. The contract was made.

Upset East was upset at not getting his thirdround heart ruff, but the result was his fault. He failed to take care of his partner. East knows from the opening lead that West had no more than five hearts, and East must assume he has the king.

At Trick Three, East should cash his ace of diamonds. Then, when West wins the second heart, he will have no option but to lead a third heart, hoping East can ruff. Daily Question You hold: 8 4 A8 A9532 95

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4 2. Your partner opens one spade, you respond 1NT, he bids two hearts and you return to two spades. Partner then bids three spades. What do you say?

Answer: Your hand is much better than it might have been. You have two aces, including one in partner’s second suit. Your spade “support” is no better than he can expect, yet he has tried for game. Bid four spades. Partner’s hand may be A Q 10 9 5 3, K Q 6 5, 4, A 3. South dealer

Both sides vulnerable