Bridge Play

Cy the Cynic had been absent from the club.

“What have you been up to?” I asked when he showed up for a penny game.

“Tending to my taxes,” Cy said shortly.

“Do you use Form 1040 or

1040A?”

“The only difference,” the

Cynic growled, “is whether the IRS or your CPA gets your money.”

As today’s declarer, Cy learned that the play to the first trick can make all the difference. When West led the ten of diamonds against four hearts, Cy swiftly covered with dummy’s jack: queen, ace. Cy drew trumps and led another diamond, but East won with the eight and shifted to a club. The defense got a club, the ace of spades and East’s king of diamonds. Down one.

PLAYS LOW

Cy erred at Trick One. He must play low from dummy and from his hand.

If West shifts to a trump — nothing else is better — Cy draws trumps and leads the ace and another diamond. East can win and lead a club, but Cy takes the ace and discards his club loser on dummy’s diamonds, losing only three tricks in all.

DAILY QUESTION

West dealer

Both sides vulnerable

NORTH K75 Q92 J9732 Q5

WEST AJ1062 64

10 K8632

SOUTH

Q9 AKJ105 A654 A7

North Pass

2

EAST 843 873 KQ8 J1094

East South Pass 1

Pass 4

You hold: AJ1062 64 10 K 8 6 3 2. Neither side vulnerable. The dealer, at your right, opens one heart. What do you say?

ANSWER: Even in a sound overcalling style, this type of hand demands action. Many players would bid one spade. A conventional option is a “Michaels” cue bid of two hearts, promising length in spades and one of the minor suits. That call typically shows a hand with playing tricks but limited defensive strength.