FRANK STEWART BRIDGE

Cy the Cynic says that one thing unites the human race: We all think we’re aboveaverage drivers. I suspect that most bridge players think their dummy play is averageplus. Half of them are right.

At today’s 3NT, South took the king of diamonds and started on the hearts. East grabbed his king to return a diamond: jack, queen. South won the next diamond and was afraid to lead another heart. He led a club to dummy’s king and returned a club, planning to finesse. East’s discard ended his chances. How would you play 3NT?

No Problem

South has four spade tricks, two diamonds and two clubs, and can play safe for a third club. He takes the ace at Trick Two and returns a club toward dummy. If the ten or queen has appeared, South has no problem. When West follows low on the second club, dummy plays the nine, and if East could win, South would be safe. If instead West discarded on the second club, South would take the king and lead toward his jack. This week: safety plays.

Daily Question You hold:

♠ AK32 ♥ 10 9 ♦ A J 6 ♣ A J

4 3. The dealer, at your right, opens one heart. You double, the next player bids two hearts and your partner tries two spades. What do you say?

Answer: To bid four spades is tempting, but partner may have stretched to compete. He may have as few as six points, and your hand is full of losers. Don’t punish him for not letting the opponents buy the deal cheaply. Raise to three spades or, with an aggressive partner, pass.

South dealer N-S vulnerable