BRIDGE

Two of my books — “Play Bridge With Me” and “Keys to Winning Bridge” — have been reissued by Devyn Press, a part of Baron Barclay Bridge Supply, the world’s largest retailer of bridge-related items.

In today’s deal from “Keys,” I tried to clear up some confusion about defensive signals.

Against three clubs, West leads the ace of spades (not best); East bid the suit. If East “signals” with the deuce to inform West that his lead was no good, West may treat that play as asking for a shift.

He may even treat it as “suit preference,” suggesting a shift to the low-ranking side suit (though suit preference applies only in unmistakable situations). Here, a shift to either red suit could cost.

East must signal with the eight, encouraging. Nothing about this is illogical. East is just discouraging a shift. Dummy is weakish; passive defense is indicated.

For all books in print, instructional software and other items to stuff your partner’s Xmas stocking, see baronbarclay.com.

Question: You hold: ♠ K Q5 ♥ K53 ♦ J964 ♣ 1064. Your partner opens one heart, you raise to two hearts and he next bids two spades. What do you say?

Answer: Partner’s bid of a new suit is, as far as you know, a try for game. He asks you to bid game with any sound single raise or even with a fair raise that contains help for his second suit. You should be in no doubt here; your raise is a maximum with two spade honors. Bid four hearts. West dealer Neither side vulnerable