FRANK STEWART BRIDGE

SPECTACULAR RESULT

“She had me fooled for a while,” Cy the Cynic told me in the club lounge, “but no longer. She’s an expert disguised as a little old lady.” Minnie Bottoms wears old bifocals that make her mix up kings and jacks, often to her opponents’ dismay. Cy has been Minnie’s chief victim.

“Look at this deal,” the Cynic said.

“I played at 3NT, and West led the seven of spades. Minnie, East, played the jack!” “Thinking it was the king,” I smiled.

“I took the queen,” Cy said. “I make 3NT by ducking, but who would do that?”

Down One

Cy next let the nine of diamonds ride. Minnie took her king — maybe she thought it was the jack — and led the king of spades. West overtook to run the spades for down one. If Minnie takes the king and leads the jack, Cy succeeds by playing low.

“Minnie’s play was correct,” I noted. “If West has the queen of spades, too few points are missing for him to have a fast entry. East’s best hope is that West has A-10-x-x-x.” “She’s an expert,” Cy growled.

Daily Question

You hold: ♠ KJ ♥ 8542 ♦ K73 ♣ K 6 5 3. Your partner opens one diamond. The next player doubles. What do you say?

Answer: To redouble, showing 10 or more points, would appeal to some players, but if the auction became competitive, you might not be able to describe your hand. Bid 1NT, giving partner the overall character of your hand. After your opponent’s double, which suggests length and strength in hearts, I would avoid a response of one heart.

South dealer N-S vulnerable