DAILY BRIDGE CLUB:

“Simple Saturday” columns focus on improving basic technique and developing logical thinking.

“I paid too much for it, but it’s worth it.” — movie magnate Samuel Goldwyn, known for bizarre remarks.

A “free finesse” may give you a trick, but some tricks may cost. Today’s West led the 10 of diamonds against seven spades. To lead a singleton against a grand slam is silly: If your partner can get in to give you a ruff, the slam is down anyway.

South played the jack from dummy, taking advantage of the free finesse, but East played low. South drew trumps, took the ace of diamonds, led a heart to the queen and threw his club loser on the king of diamonds. But at the end, his 10 of hearts lost to West’s jack.

South must reject the free finesse: He plays low from dummy on the first diamond and takes the ace. After he draws trumps, he can lead a diamond to the king and return the jack through East for a ruffing finesse. South wins four diamonds and 13 tricks in all.

DAILY QUESTION: You hold: ♠ 10753 ♥ J984

◆ 10 ♣ 8 5 4 2. The opponents are vulnerable. Your partner opens one heart, and the next player doubles. What do you say?

ANSWER: Most players would bid three hearts. Modern bidding focuses on obstructing the opponents, and many jump-raises are treated as pre-emptive. With a good hand, you would have options such as a conventional 2NT bid to show a “limit raise,” or a redouble.