Simple Saturday

If bridge only amounted to applying a bunch of rules, people would find a more challenging game. But bridge involves problem-solving. Moreover, what rules there are have exceptions, and the exceptions have exceptions.

Today’s West leads his fourth-highest spade against 3NT: deuce, king. The general rule is to avoid holding up a winner if it will cost a trick. If South takes the ace, he can assure a second spade trick. He will also lose his contract.

Eight tricks

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If Soutzh forces out the ace of hearts next, East will return a spade, and West will duck. South will have only six more tricks to cash, and when he leads a club, East will win and lead his last spade. West will take the queen and two more spades.

West is a favorite to have led from a five-card suit, and East has the missing aces for his opening bid, so South must let the king of spades win. He ducks the next spade, wins the third and sets up winners in hearts and clubs. The defense gets only two spades and two aces.

Daily question

You hold: ♠ J2 ♥ Q 10 9 ♦ A653 ♣Q 10 9 7. Your partner opens one spade, you respond 1NT, he bids two hearts and you return to two spades. Partner then bids 2NT. What do you say?

Answer: Your “false preference” of two spades promised at most nine points, and partner would have passed if he saw no chance for game. His 2NT tells you that game is still possible, probably at notrump, and your values are a clear maximum. By all means, bid 3NT.

East dealer

N-S vulnerable