ACES ON BRIDGE BIRTHDAYS

Although it can often be right to play in three notrump when you have a 5-3 major-suit fit, it helps to have strength or length in all the side suits. On this deal from a team-of-eight contest, two pairs went down in three notrump after a top club lead. The other two pairs played in the right strain, spades, but the bidding subsided at the two-level. However, what line of play would give the best chance of making four spades? It seems right to assume that trumps will break 3-2. The total of winners is nine, so from where will the 10th trick materialize? The suit to go after should be hearts. They might break 3-3, but one trick must always be lost. However, even if they don’t break so helpfully, the fourth heart can perhaps be ruffed on the table — as long as you time the play correctly. West will surely lead the club queen against four spades. The best way forward, which accounts for most eventualities, is to win, then play a low heart, ducking in hand. The opponents will doubtless cash their club trick, but their next play puts you in control. Win, cash the spade ace and king, then take the two top hearts and, if necessary, ruff your heart loser with dummy’s last trump. The defenders will make a trump trick, but that is all. Note: If you cash either one or two top hearts early, then whether you play trumps or not, you will no longer be able to find a winning line, as the cards lie.

Jackson Five patriarch Joe Jackson is 88. Rock star Mick Jagger is 73. Actress Helen Mirren is 71. Figure skater Dorothy Hamill is 60. Actor Kevin Spacey is 57.