DAILY BRIDGE CLUB

West dealer — Both sides vulnerable

When several thousand bridge players congregate for 11 days, strange things can happen. Expert Mark Aquino reported today’s deal from the Summer NABC. He was North.

West’s opening bid showed a strong hand, not necessarily clubs. Aquino’s 1NT showed length in both minors. He often would have held a weaker hand, but if South bid diamonds, Aquino planned to bid clubs next to suggest strength. When South gritted his teeth and bid two clubs, Aquino thought his side might have a game — probably at notrump — if South held anything at all. So Aquino jumped to three spades.

Well, South’s Q-9-8 of spades looked like a stopper, so he did what he thought he was supposed to do: He bid 3NT. All passed. West led the jack of spades, and South won, let the 10 of clubs ride and claimed nine tricks. They scored it up as plus 600 and went on to the next deal.

If you think something is wrong with this picture, you’re right. West’s opening lead was perhaps unwise but definitely illegal. South bid 3NT, but North had bid notrump first and should have been declarer — down presumably. Nobody realized that until later.

DAILY QUESTION You hold: ♠ Q98 ♥ 965432 ♦ Q7 ♣ 10 8. The dealer, at your left, opens one club. Your partner doubles, and the player at your right jumps to three clubs. After two passes, your partner doubles again. What do you say?

ANSWER: Your opponent’s jump was preemptive. To double again and oblige you to bid at the three level, your partner has a strong hand. Bid four hearts. If he holds A K 6 5, A Q 8 7, A 6 5 4, 5, you will have a chance for an overtrick.