Bridge

Jay Leno said, “Here’s something to think about: How come you never see a headline like ‘Psychic Wins Lottery’?”

Since bridge has gone online, some players — even a couple of world champions! — have become psychic, finding amazingly successful bids and plays. What they do is log in under two usernames. One plays at a table while the other kibitzes, so has the full deal on the screen.

In today’s deal, everyone was honest; otherwise, the play would have gone differently.

North’s raise to four hearts was preemptive, promising five trumps and a weak hand. Then, when East competed with five clubs, South was in a quandary. Did partner have club values, and were the opponents out of their depth? What could have happened in five clubs doubled?

South, unsure, rebid five hearts. West happily doubled and led the spade three. When East unwittingly put up his king, South won, gave up a diamond, won the second spade and cashed the heart ace. When both opponents followed, declarer claimed for plus 850.

Five clubs doubled costs 1100 if North leads a psychic diamond.