DAILY BRIDGE CLUB

Here’s an easy problem in logic. Would you rather have a bucket full of nickels or halffull of dimes?

The essence of bridge is problem-solving. In today’s deal, South covered West’s queen of spades with dummy’s king, and East took the ace. (North was dismayed that his king hadn’t won a trick.) East next led the three of diamonds: king, ace, deuce.

West cashed a spade and led another diamond, and East’s ten forced out the queen. South picked up West’s king of trumps and won a club finesse with the queen, but he lost a diamond to East’s jack at the end. Down one.

South would get home if he thought logically and counted points (my topic this week). After East, who didn’t respond to West’s opening bid, showed the ace of spades, he couldn’t have another ace. South must play the nine of diamonds from his hand at Trick Two; he must hope East has the J-10.

Problem solution: Take the half bucket of dimes. Dimes occupy less space. DAILY QUESTION

You hold: S K 5 H A 9 6 D 8 7 5 2 C A Q 8 2. You open one club, the next player bids one spade and your partner doubles (negative, by agreement).

Answer: Partner’s double promises length in hearts (but not a hand suitable to bid two hearts) plus length in diamonds or club support. Bid two diamonds. This bid is not a strength-showing “reverse.” What you’re doing is supporting a suit your partner “bid” as cheaply as you can.