Daily Bridge Club

Trials and errors

“Your honor,” the District Attorney said, “we will prove that South committed a felony. He lost a cold game.” “Proceed,” the judge instructed. “At 3NT South took the queen of spades and saw no problem if the diamond finesse won,” the DA said. “But if East had the king, he would lead another spade. South would have only eight winners and would lose three spades, a heart and a diamond.

“South gave himself an extra chance by leading a heart at Trick Two. But East captured dummy’s queen and returned a spade, and South went down when the diamond finesse lost.”

NINE TRICKS

“South must lead a club to dummy and return a heart. If East grabs his ace, South has nine tricks. If East ducks, South attacks the diamonds.”

“My client had a guess,” South’s counsel roared. “Who knew which defender had the ace of hearts?”

South was guilty. He was at risk only if West had five spades, but with K-J-10-x-x plus an ace, West might have overcalled. South should place East with the ace.

DAILY QUESTION

You hold: ♠ AQ ♥ K 742 ♦ Q 953 ♣ K 9 4. Your partner opens one club, you respond one heart and he bids one spade. What do you say?

ANSWER: At your second turn as responder, you always want to place the contract or suggest a contract if possible. Since you have a balanced hand with opening values and strength in the unbid suit, jump to 3NT. Your partner will often pass but is welcome to try for slam or investigate for a suit contract. South dealer N-S vulnerable