DAILY BRIDGE CLUB

An alligator wearing a vest is not an investigator. (Neither is an alligator who works for Charles Schwab.) But declarer must often be an investigator; he may need information about one suit to decide how to play another.

In today’s deal, South’s five spades suggested slam interest and controls in both unbid suits. North went on to slam, and West led the queen of diamonds. Declarer took the ace and led the ace of trumps ... and was annoyed when East showed out. South later won heart finesses but lost two trump tricks.

South must launch an investigation. At Trick Two he lets the queen of hearts ride. If the finesse lost, South would need to pick up the trumps without loss. His best chance would be to cash the ace.

When the heart finesse wins, South can afford one trump loser but not two. He can therefore execute a safety play in trumps: He leads a club to his hand and returns a low trump, intending to play the nine from dummy if West follows with the seven.

Daily question

You hold: ♠ A952 ♥ QJ7 ♦ AK62 ♣ 8 4. Neither side vulnerable. The dealer, at your right, opens one heart. What do you say?

Answer: This is a matter of style and judgment. Some players would double, risking an unwelcome club response. (Their partners always respond in spades or diamonds.) I could accept that action but would pass. I view the hand as oriented for defense, especially with the secondary values in the opening bidder’s suit.

North dealer

N-S vulnerable